Prominent pro-democracy activists are scheduled to attend the annual June 12 Democracy Day celebration organized by the Ogun State government. This event commemorates the anniversary of the cancellation of the June 1993 presidential election, which was won by Bashorun MKO Abiola, a native of Ogun State. The celebration, hosted by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, will take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta, starting at 10:00 am.
Several notable activists, including Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine, former Secretary General of Campaign for Democracy (CD); Comrade Segun Mayegun, former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); Comrade Femi Aborishade, a prominent labor leader, lawyer, and human rights defender; and Mrs. Funke Fadugba, former Chairman of the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), are expected to deliver messages of solidarity at the event.
Other speakers include Dr. Niran Malaolu, the CEO of Rockcity FM, Abeokuta; Comrade Debo Adeniran, former Secretary General of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR); and Barrister Solomon Bankole, the Chairman of the Ogun State Coalition of Human Rights and Prodemocracy Groups. Governor Abiodun will give a state address during the ceremony and also receive salutes from various human rights groups, organizations, and unions participating in the march past. Prior to the stadium event, there will be a special prayer session at the late Bashorun M.K.O Abiola’s family house in Gbagura, Abeokuta, starting at 9 am.
