Calls Grow for President Tinubu to Immortalize MKO Abiola as June 12 Advocates Demand Compensation, Renovation of Ikeja Residence
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Amid preparations for the annual June 12 Democracy Day celebrations, a powerful coalition of pro-democracy activists, family members, and political leaders have renewed calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honor the memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola by transforming his Ikeja residence into a Centre for Democracy.
They are also demanding that the Federal Government pay outstanding debts owed to the late winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and offer due compensation to his family.
The call was led by Comrade Olawale Okunniyi, a prominent figure in the June 12 pro-democracy movement and a former spokesperson of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), during a solemn event commemorating the 29th anniversary of the assassination of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late MKO Abiola.
Speaking at the Abiola family home in Ikeja, Okunniyi urged President Tinubu to make a historic and symbolic visit to the residence—where years of political struggle and sacrifice were centered—and direct its immediate renovation. “MKO Abiola laid down his life for the democratic freedom we now enjoy. It is only fitting that this house becomes a national monument—renovated, preserved, and transformed into a presidential Centre for Democracy,” he stated.
Echoing these sentiments, Lekan Abiola, the eldest son of Alhaja Kudirat, emotionally recounted the tragic losses suffered by his family. “The military regime took everything from us—our mother was assassinated, our father died mysteriously in custody, and our businesses were destroyed under government orders,” he said. “The nation owes us. We deserve compensation, security, and full recognition of our father as a past president.”
Lekan praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for extending support to the family during his administration, contrasting it with President Tinubu’s silence. “President Tinubu was one of my father’s political allies and a fellow NADECO member. It’s disheartening that two years into his presidency, he has not officially reached out to us,” he lamented.
Okunniyi also cited former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido, who recently urged the Federal Government to pay the N45 billion it reportedly owes the Abiola estate. “That money represents a moral and historical debt,” said Okunniyi. “What is justice if it does not include restitution?”
Highlighting the significance of June 12, now recognized as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, Okunniyi said the celebrations must move beyond rhetoric to meaningful action. “Let us have a presidential library in this house. Every former president had a befitting send-off and legacy centre. Why not MKO, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom?”
Other notable figures set to participate in this year’s Democracy Day reflections include human rights lawyer Olisa Agbakoba, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Donald Duke, and senior legal luminaries like Mike Ozekhome. Also scheduled to speak are Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Senator Gbenga Daniel, and Prof. Tony Kila.
In a poignant remark, Okunniyi disclosed that the late Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, had urged him shortly before his death to remind Tinubu of promises made during the NADECO struggle—including the need for a “people’s constitution” and justice for Abiola’s family.
As Nigeria marks over two decades of unbroken civilian rule, pressure is mounting on the Tinubu administration to go beyond symbolic gestures and institute structural acknowledgments for the heroes of democracy. Stakeholders argue that honoring MKO Abiola properly—with compensation, renovation of his residence, and national institutional recognition—will signal a maturing democracy willing to confront its past.
“The spirit of the dead is watching,” Okunniyi warned. “If justice is not done, it may continue to haunt the soul of this nation.”
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