Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
In anticipation of Democracy Day on Wednesday, Governor Dapo Abiodun has instructed the Ministry of Housing to swiftly revamp the residence of the late MKO Abiola in Gbagura, Oja Agbo Abeokuta.
Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s, before leaving office, declared June 12 as Democracy Day,
commemorating Abiola’s sacrifices for democracy in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital on Tuesday, said the governor aims to ensure the iconic home of the late Aareona Kakanfo of Yorubaland is fitting for the occasion, welcoming pro-democracy activists and visitors.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the Abiola family, Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola, has expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative, emphasizing its broader impact on the community, including the restoration of external drainage systems.
“We are grateful to the State Governor for this kind gesture. The fallen ceilings were replaced, the windows were touched and the old buildings are wearing new looks,” he said.
On his part, the son of the late business mogul, Ameen Abiola said the family was grateful for the generous disposition of the state government aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the legacy and ideals of their late father.
According to him, the family would always be grateful for the various efforts aimed at bringing alive the memory of their late father
Abiola, a business mogul and philanthropist, was believed to have won the June 12 presidential election in 1993, which was annulled by the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida.
He later declared himself as president and consequently was arrested.
He eventually died in detention on July 7, 1998, in very controversial circumstances.