Honouring June 12 Legacy: A Tribute to Sacrifice and Resilience
*12th June, 2025*
**By Olugbuyiro Akinola Esq.,**
1. On this hallowed occasion of June 12 Democracy Day, we stand united in solemn remembrance and profound gratitude. Today, we pay homage to the enduring spirit of democracy in Nigeria, a spirit forged in the fires of immense sacrifice and unwavering courage.
2. At the heart of this commemoration stands the towering figure of **Late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, GCFR, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Bashorun of Ibadan**, the undisputed winner of the historic June 12th, 1993 Presidential election under the banner of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His mandate, freely given by the Nigerian people, became the symbol of our collective aspiration for true democracy, a symbol whose light was tragically dimmed but never extinguished.
3. We bow our heads in eternal reverence for the **Martyrs of this Struggle**, whose ultimate sacrifice paved the path we walk today. We remember:
3.1. Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, whose fearless defiance echoed across the nation.
3.2. Pa Alfred Rewane**, the silent financier of freedom.
3.3. Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti**, the irrepressible voice of the oppressed.
3.4. Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN**, the tireless legal crusader for justice.
3.5. Chief Adekunle Ajasin**, the steadfast leader of the opposition.
Their blood, shed in the darkest hours, nourished the seeds of our democracy.
4. We salute the indomitable **Heroes of June 12**, patriots who abandoned comfort and safety to demand the de-annulment of the people’s will, facing persecution with unparalleled bravery:
4.1. Professor Wole Soyinka**, the global conscience and intellectual spearhead.
4.2. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu**, whose strategic defiance was pivotal.
4.3. Mr. Kola Abiola**, carrying his father’s torch amidst immense pressure.
4.4. Late Pa Abraham Adesanya** and **Late Chief Bola Ige**, pillars of the Yoruba struggle and national unity.
4.5. Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife**, **Professor Bolaji Akinyemi**, **Chief Alex Ibru**, **Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams**, **Dr. Fredrick Fasehun**, **Late Frank Kokori**, **Mr. Omoyele Sowore**, **Dr. Kayode Fayemi**, **Gen. Alani Akinrinade**.
4.6. The courageous voices of the Fourth Estate: **Mr. Nosa Igiebor (TELL)**, **Mr. Bayo Onanuga & Senator Babafemi Ojudu (TheNEWS)**, **Chief Dele Momodu**.
4.7. The relentless advocates: **Dr. Aborishade**, **Col. Abubakar Umar (rtd)**, **Mr. Kunle Ajibade**, **Senator Opeyemi Bamidele**, **Mr. Dele Alake**.
4.8. The collective force of **NADECO**, and the defiant whispers of truth from **Radio Kudirat** and **Radio Freedom**.
5. We stand in this time and place, humbled by their **supreme and imperishable sacrifices** made when even the simplest act of speaking or writing the truth carried mortal danger. Their courage illuminated the darkness that descended on June 12th.
6. We also acknowledge the significant step towards historical justice taken by **former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR**. His decision to re-open this vital chapter, posthumously honouring Chief MKO Abiola with the highest national honour of **GCFR**, formally declaring him the winner of the June 12th election, and renaming the National Stadium as the **MKO Abiola National Stadium** – a fitting tribute to his legendary role as a pillar of sports in Africa – marked a crucial moment of national reconciliation and recognition.
7. Finally, we pay the deepest tribute to the **Nigerian People**. It is your **hard work, enduring courage, remarkable resilience, steadfast patience, and unwavering struggle** that have sustained our fragile democracy for these **26 years**. Through countless difficulties and the persistent challenges of our time, your collective spirit has refused to be broken. You are the true heroes of this ongoing journey.
8. The transformative spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s **Renewed Hope Agenda**—a visionary framework that has indeed reinvigorated the legacy of June 12 and Hope ’93.
9. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda embodies the spirit of M.K.O. Abiola’s Hope ’93—transforming sacrifice into tangible progress.
10. By anchoring governance in bold reforms, infrastructure audacity, and inclusive development, that positions Nigeria not just for recovery, but for global leadership.
11. As we reflect on this profound legacy, let us recommit ourselves to upholding the ideals for which these great patriots lived, fought, and died. Let us honour their sacrifices by deepening our democracy, defending the rule of law, and working tirelessly for a Nigeria that truly reflects the “Hope ’93” they embodied.
12. May the sacrifices of the past continue to guide us towards a brighter, more just, and truly democratic future.
With profound respect and solidarity,
Omoba Olugbuyiro Akinola Esq.
Hon. Commissioner
Tax Appeal Tribunal
Abuja
Federal Republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬
