Abiola’s children urge President Tinubu to make June 12 Democracy Day permanent, honouring MKO Abiola’s legacy and safeguarding democratic history
June 12 Democracy Day has once again come under the national spotlight, as the children of the late Chief MKO Abiola have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to enshrine the date permanently through legislation.
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During a commemorative event, the Abiola family expressed appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on their father, calling it a step in the right direction.
They, however, stressed the need for a legal framework to protect the significance of June 12 for future generations.
“We thank former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring on our father the GCFR. That is a great step in the right direction.
However, it is our passionate appeal that the Federal Government should enact a law that will permanently recognise June 12 as Democracy Day,” a family spokesperson stated.
The family voiced concern that, without legislation, future leaders who do not fully grasp MKO Abiola’s role in restoring democratic rule might attempt to abolish the observance.
“Some people, especially younger generations, do not understand the values, the role and the sacrifice of our father. A bill ensuring that June 12 remains Democracy Day would preserve his legacy till the end of time. Only President Bola Tinubu, who was with our father from the beginning, can make this happen,” the family added.
We thank former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring on our father the GCFR. That is a great step in the right direction
Abdulrahman Abiola, another son of the late business mogul and democracy icon, also called on the Ogun State Government to honour MKO Abiola by upgrading the family home at Oja Agbo, Gbagura in Abeokuta into a national monument.
He stated, “Given his democratic pedigree and his contributions to national development, the house should be made a national monument. It would stand as a symbol of democracy for generations.”
Responding at the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to upholding the democratic ideals championed by MKO Abiola.
Abiodun praised the late icon as a worthy son of Ogun State, whose contributions to the nation’s democratic journey would never be forgotten.
He pledged that the state government would continue to uphold the rule of law, justice, and equity, remaining firmly on the side of the people.
The call for permanent legislation serves as a powerful reminder that democracy in Nigeria was hard-won.
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For the Abiola family and many Nigerians, the preservation of June 12 as a national holiday is more than ceremonial; it is essential for historical truth and democratic continuity.
