June 12: Ambode Unveils New MKO Abiola’s Statue

Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, on Tuesday, unveiled a 37 feet statue in honour of the winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election in Nigeria, Bashorun Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO).

Ambode, speaking at the unveiling of the statue at the MKO Abiola Garden in Alapere, Ketu said Abiola deserves the best from the State as Lagos was his success story.

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He also added that his administration decided to erect bigger statues for MKO Abiola and late Rights Activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi in order to show their immense contribution to nation building.

Gani-Fawehinmi-Statue
Gani Fawehinmi’s new Statue in Lagos

“There was a statue done by my predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola but in the divine world, some things are more glorious than what you think and so we decided at the end of 2016 that we should do bigger statues for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and MKO Abiola, since almost everybody passing and entering Lagos goes through this particular Ojota axis.

‘’So we started late in 2016 that we should build something bigger and so it took us about a year to do this. By the time we did the one for Gani to celebrate his posthumous birthday on April 22, we also agreed that we should unveil that of MKO Abiola today, June 12.

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“But just as if God has a way of crowning all efforts to mark the 25th Anniversary of June 12, our President, Muhammadu Buhari has deemed it fit to give our own MKO Abiola the highest honour in the land, GCFR.

‘’That is why we believe strongly that your presence here is not just for this statue but it is also historic which we would always remember in the annals of the history and politics of this country that sooner than later, there would be one day we would mark as MKO Abiola Day.

“We are very happy to gather here today at the MKO Abiola garden to unveil this statue, a monument that will forever crystallize his legacy, serves as a reminder to the greatness that Chief Abiola represents in our socio-political landscape,” the Governor said.

‘’Even though he was from another State, Lagos was his home. And we recognize his contribution to our State and our democracy. It is now my honour to unveil this statue as a monument to symbolize democracy and the supremacy of the voice of the people.’’

On behalf of the family, Abiola’s son, Abdul Mumuni Abiola thanked Ambode and the State Government for the honour conferred on his family, saying the statue was indeed befitting to honour his late father.

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“God is great. I heard about this statue six months ago and I was called to come and see it and when I got here, I saw a statue of a three-story building.

“This is indeed massive. The family of late MKO Abiola really appreciates this and we want to thank the Governor,” Abdul Mumuni said.

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