Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has declared June 12 a work-free day, marking the celebration of the June 12 1993 election which was won by late politician and business mogul Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola but annulled.
The governor disclosed this at the celebration of this year's democracy day held at the international event centre Akure.
The governor stated, "We must wake up to this reality, whether we like it or we don't like it. Democracy day which we are celebrating comes up to being on May 29 and we can't run away from it".
"It is not to say we will not celebrate June 12. Here in Ondo state we will celebrate June 12 and it will be a work-free day."
Akeredolu described Chief Abiola as a sacrificial man who had the blood of himself and that of his wife, Kudirat Abiola spilled as a sacrifice.
"MKO deserves a special honour, not only to him but also to his wife. Their blood was spilled for the realisation of our democracy."
"He was the president but not allowed to assume office"
The governor also demanded the gathering to pay him a respect with a standing ovation.
Moshood Abiola had won the June 12, 1993 presidential election but was annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.
MKO, as widely called, later died on the 8th of June 1998.
