Oyo and Ogun State Governments have declared Monday, June
12, 2017 as work-free day in the state.
Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli in
a statement made available to journalists on Friday said Governor Abiola
Ajimobi approved Monday as work-free day to commemorate the annulment of the
anniversary of the June 12, 1993 elections, generally believed to have been won
by late Chief MKO Abiola.
He said the government will use the anniversary to honour
the martyrdom of Chief Abiola, who laid down his life for Nigerians to enjoy
the democratic dividends of today.
Similarly, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun,
has declared Monday, June 12, 2017 as work-free day.
A statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta, signed by the
Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, said the annual holiday is
in honour of the late illustrious son of the state, Chief Moshood Kashimawo
Olawale Abiola, widely believed to have won the annulled June 12, 1993
Presidential election, which marked a unique watershed in Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement reads in part, “This year’s celebration will
feature the annual ‘Democracy Walk’, which will be led by the governor,
starting from the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta at 7am.
“The walk is expected to take participants through major
roads in the state capital to the Abiola family homestead at Oke-Ido, Gbagura,
Abeokuta North Local Government Area, where special prayers and speeches will
be made.
“Later in the day, an inspirational stage play, ‘Oju
Kelekun’ (farewell to reproach), directed by Prof. Bakare Ojo Rasaki, will be
performed at the June 12 Cultural Centre, between 3:45 and 6:00pm.”
By Daramola Adebayo
