June 12 is Not Complete Without Paying MKO’s Dues, Activists Tell Tinubu

A coalition of civil society organisations in Osun State has called on President Bola Tinubu to go beyond symbolic recognition of late Moshood Abiola as President-elect by paying all accrued presidential entitlements to his family.

The demand was made during a Democracy Day procession held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as Nigerians marked the 36th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election — widely believed to have been won by Abiola.

Protesters marched through major streets of the state capital, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards in defence of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.

Addressing journalists at the popular Olaiya flyover, Chairman of the coalition, Waheed Lawal, said:

“We thank the government for recognising the fact that late MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993 election and giving him the highest national honour. But we are demanding that all entitlements due to a Nigerian president be paid to the family of the late MKO Abiola.”

He added:

“He struggled and died for the democracy we enjoy today. It would be a great injustice not to reciprocate that sacrifice. If the Federal Government owes Abiola’s family anything, they should pay it — as a moral atonement for the pain they endured.”

On governance issues in Osun State, the coalition also called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to act urgently on the stalled recruitment of teachers, noting that many successful applicants had been left in limbo despite passing tests and interviews.

“The government must bring qualified teachers into classrooms without further delay. It should also intensify efforts on job creation and ensure the security of lives and property,” Lawal added.

The group’s message was clear: June 12 is not just about history — it is about justice still denied.