Sam Philip
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Thursday hailed those who fought for the return to civilian rule in Nigeria, both the living and the dead.
He commended people who paid the supreme price, particularly the Presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party in the June 12, 1993 general elections in the country, the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that democratic governance has continued to yield gains that must be consolidated to build a more inclusive and accountable society.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, now known as Democracy Day at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the day as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history.
The governor said: “Today, we commemorate a pivotal moment in our democratic journey as a country. The June 12 election was not only a watershed that has had lasting impacts on our country’s democratic journey, it has strengthened our collective struggle for freedom, justice and the Rule of Law.”
Delivering his address on the theme of this year, “June 12: Losses and Gains In Relationship To Today’s Democratic Realities In Nigeria,” Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the occasion was not only for remembrance but also a moment for reflection on how far the country has come..
“In spite of the challenges we faced, we have made notable progress in the consolidation of our democratic institutions. Citizens now enjoy greater freedom to express their opinions, assemble, and constructively criticise the government without fear of arrest or harassment,” he said.
Moreover, Governor Aiyedatiwa paid tributes to the late Chief MKO Abiola for paying the supreme price in the quest for democracy and to other pro-democracy activists who played critical roles during the struggle, including Pa Reuben Fasoranti, HRH Oba Olu Falae, Balarabe Musa, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Madam Kudirat Abiola, Chief Abraham Adesanya, and various human rights organisations and student bodies.
Meanwhile, the governor seized the opportunity to reel out some of his achievements since he assumed office on February 24, 2025.
He said his government has remained people-driven and committed to promoting good governance, security, workers’ welfare, education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
He spoke on significant investments in education, enhanced welfare for workers and pensioners, improved student support initiatives, and strengthened security infrastructure.
“Since the commencement of our administration, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that it is people-driven. We are putting adequate security measures in place to ensure peace and safety of lives and property throughout the state,” the Governor noted.
Delivering his lecture titled “Losses and Gains in Relation to Today’s Democratic Realities in Nigeria,” the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, represented by Ondo State Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, described June 12 as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and hope for a better Nigeria.
He said the day called for reflection on the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, which was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Bamidele listed some of the losses of June 12, including democratic betrayal, suppression of voices, and delayed political development. However, he said the gains include 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, national recognition of Abiola, increased civic awareness, and ongoing institutional reforms.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu, a frontline figure in the June 12 struggle, has continued its legacy through ambitious reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on economic stability, national security, and improved governance.
Among dignitaries who attended the celebration are the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker, Ondo State of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusanya, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philips, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Permanent Secretaries, political leaders, labour leaders, political appointees, top government functionaries, among others.