Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, said his administration would continue to uphold the good vision and desire of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
Abiodun described Abiola, who died in detention fighting to reclaim his electoral mandate, as a completely detribalised Nigerian and a great son of Africa who wanted the best for everyone, irrespective of tribe or religion.
The governor stated this during a special memorial prayer held at the Abiola family House , Oja Agbo, Gbagura, Abeokuta in honour of the late MKO.
Abiodun had on Tuesday ordered that Abiola’s house be given a face-lift ahead of Wednesday’s Democracy Day celebration.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, explained that the late MKO wanted the best for everybody when he was alive not minding ethnicity or religion.
He said, “We are here to honour the late MKO and pray for his soul and also celebrate 25 years of unbroken democracy in the country.
“We will continue to uphold what MKO believed in. Democracy has continued to thrive, democracy is what will give our people the best leadership,” he said.
The governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu for what he had done to better the lots of Nigerians, urging Nigerians to pray for the progress of the country.
Speaking on behalf of Abiola’s family, one of his children, Ameen Abiola, appreciated the Ogun State government and the Federal government for always celebrating his father yearly.
He particularly appreciated the Ogun government for preserving the heritage of Abiola’s family.
In his sermon at the memorial prayer, Alhaji Daud Toriola, Mufasir Egba Agura, described the late MKO Abiola as one of the greatest philanthropists the nation ever produced.
Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential elections annulled by the military government.
The renowned businessman, philanthropist, and politician died in prison on July 7, 1998.
