…..says undermining Tinubu’s June 12 struggle is a deliberate attack on Nigeria history
June 23, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
A Socio-Cultural and Socio-Political organistion, Think Yoruba First (TYF) worldwide has strongly condemned former Governor, Sule Lamido’s, recent claims attempting to distort the history of the June 12 struggle, particularly the role played by Bola Tinubu.
In a press release made available to The Yoruba Times on Monday, TYF’s Publicity Relations Officer, Ogbeni Oluwole, described Lamido’s assertions as “ludicrously annoying and irritatingly dishonest.”
“The audacity of Sule Lamido to deny Tinubu’s contributions to the June 12 struggle is a clear case of rewriting history,” Ogbeni Oluwole stated.
“It is either ‘Baba’ has dementia, or this is his usual game of playing dirty politics when he is clutching at straws.”
According to TYF, Tinubu’s role in the June 12 struggle is well-documented. “As Senator representing Lagos West, Asiwaju led MKO’s campaigns in that zone and delivered his constituency for him,” Ogbeni Oluwole recalled.
“His late mum, Iyaloja Mogaji, also led the market women mobilizations in the state for MKO as she did for Awolowo. That fact is sacrosanct.”
The statement further highlighted Tinubu’s bravery during the dark days of the military regime.
“After the annulment, unlike Lamido, Tinubu never hid for a single day. As a democratic ‘aluta’ legend himself, he funded protests with well-known activists like Dr. Fasehun, Femi Falana, and Prof Wole Soyinka. There are even videos to back it up.”
Ogbeni Oluwole also pointed out that Tinubu’s house was firebombed by the Abacha regime, a fact that contradicts Lamido’s claim that Abacha was an ally of Tinubu.
“YES, Abacha, an ally of Tinubu according to Lamido, bombed his house!” he exclaimed.
The TYF official also noted that Tinubu risked his life organizing an escape for many other members of the struggle via the Benin route.
“Tinubu eventually managed to get travel documents for his exile in the west after a while, thanks to an ally of both himself and MKO, who was in the FBI as at then.”
Ogbeni Oluwole further stated, “When NADECO floated Radio Kudirat in the UK, Tinubu, General Akinrinade, and Pa Rewane to an extent, provided the funds to keep the station going. Mr. Dele Momodu, now on Lamido’s corner, is on record confirming how Tinubu helped many of them settle down financially while in exile.”
TYF questions Lamido’s integrity and motives.
“How do people like Sule Lamido sleep at night? Even among ‘thieves’, there should be a little honor.
“Think Yoruba First will no longer sit and watch those who sold their honor and stabbed Basorun MKO in the back, rubbish our heroes who put their lives, family, career, and money on the line for democracy. Enough is enough!”
The organisation has called on Nigerians to reject attempts to distort history and recognize the sacrifices made by Tinubu and other pro-democracy activists during the June 12 struggle.
