By Nudoiba Ojen
The Deputy Head of the family of the late business mogul and philanthropist, Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola, has expressed gratitude to Ogun State Government for the face-lift of the June 12 hero’s house at Gbagura, Oja Agbo Abeokuta.
The family head said that the gesture did not only bring changes to the Abiola family house alone but to the community as the collapse external drainage system were also touched.
Tajudeen Abiola said, “We are grateful to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for this kind gesture. The fallen ceilings were replaced, the windows were touched and the old buildings are wearing new looks”.
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.
Ameen Abiola said that the family would always be grateful for the various efforts aimed at bringing alive the memory of their late father.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran, made available on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun directed the Ministry of Housing to give the house face-lift.
This, he said was preparatory to a special prayer organised by the state government to hold at Abiola’s Abeokuta residence on Wednesday June 12, 2024 as part of activities for Democracy Day.
According to the statement, the Governor wants the family house of the late Aare-Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land to be befitting and conducive for many pro-democracy activists who would be visiting for the celebration.
MKO Abiola, 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 arrested.
Abiola eventually died in detention on July 7, 1998, in very controversial circumstances.
The former President, Muhammadu Buhari, before leaving office declared June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria, as against May 29, to celebrate the sacrifices made by Abiola in the quest for restoration of democratic government in Nigeria.
