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JUNE 12 : SALUTE TO DEMOCRACY AND ITS HEROES

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8 months ago

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By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi- Shonibare

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians. 🇳🇬🇳🇬

Today, we remember. We salute. We celebrate.
Exactly 32 years ago, on June 12, 1993, a free, fair, and peaceful election was held—an election Nigerians agreed was the freest in our history. Conducted through Option A4, a simple but transparent method of queuing behind your candidate, it produced a clear winner: Bashorun MKO Abiola.

There was no rain, no violence, and no doubt. The people spoke. But Nigeria’s self-styled “Maradona” chose to cancel that election. After years of organizing maradonic gubernatorial, legislative, and presidential elections and banning “old and those he called corrupt politicians,” General Ibrahim Babangida betrayed the nation’s will and dismantled all democratic structures. The betrayal birthed a tragedy—and a movement.

MKO Abiola, the man of the people, the symbol of hope, confronted the military. He would later pay the ultimate price for democracy—with his life.

In those dark days, many died on the streets of Ikorodu Road, and across Nigeria. Journalists were silenced, activists hounded, and democracy went into exile. Among those who ran for their lives was Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President, who fled through the NADECO underground to London where he became a pillar of the resistance.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the sacrifices we make today.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

It was a season f blood and steel. Yet, from those ashes arose voices of courage and dignity: Gani Fawehinmi, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Femi Falana, Anthony Enahoro, Abraham Adesanya, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Bola Ige, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and many more, some known, many unknown, whose stories are written in blood and fire.

Today, President Tinubu rightly honors these heroes, including journalists like Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, and Nosa Igiebor, who risked it all to keep truth alive. He also honors brave activists like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)—symbols of resistance whose legacies are immortal.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

Positive Changes Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Though the road remains long, Nigeria is finally making structural, painful, and necessary changes:

1. Fuel subsidy removal — Ending a multi-trillion-naira black hole.

2. Unification of exchange rates — Removing arbitrage and corruption.

3. Empowerment of Local Production — Encouraging Made-in-Nigeria.

4. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms — Advocating for local government autonomy.

5. Welfare and Safety Nets — With bold initiatives for direct intervention.

6. Digital Economy and Fintech Growth — Creating jobs and global reach.

7. Recognition of Historical Truths — June 12 declared Democracy Day.

Yet, we still have many rivers to cross. To truly reach the Promise Land, reforms must deepen:

Urgent Areas Needing Change:

True local Government Autonomy: Real power must return to the grassroots.

State Policing: Security must begin at home.

Judicial Independence: Speedy, fair, and firm justice.

Education Reform: From certificates to skills.

Infrastructure Drive: Roads, rails, and reliable electricity.

Youths and Women Inclusion: Not as tokens, but partners in leadership.

Food security across the country for all citizens.

A Tribute to the Heroes of Our Democracy

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” — Obafemi Awolowo

Known and Unknown Heroes (Honored or Not)

Bashorun MKO Abiola (GCFR)

Kudirat Abiola

Frank Kokori

Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

Gani Fawehinmi

Anthony Enahoro

Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)

Beko Ransome-Kuti

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)

Alfred Rewane

Ayo Opadokun

Senator Abraham Adesanya

Chief Bola Ige (CFR)

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)

Femi Falana, SAN (CON)

Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)

Kunle Ajibade (OON)

Bayo Onanuga (CON)

Chief Akabashorun

Prof. Olatunji Dare

Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)

Mama Bisoye Tejuosho

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Aare Dele Momodu

The PM News, TheNews & Tempo Crews
(BKO, Babafemi Ojudu, Dapo Olorunniola, Seye Kehide etc.)

All unknown soldiers of democracy — Activists, mothers, students, journalists, clergy, and civil society workers who refused to bow.

To Our Villains: Not Forgotten, but Forgiven.

Let their names fade into the dark corners of history—a lesson that power without conscience is a curse.

And So We March On…

From the days of draconian decrees and midnight arrests to the sunlight of ballots and open discourse, Nigeria has come far. But we must never forget

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” — Barack Obama

We are still writing this story.
Let our children read in future that we fought, we endured, and we prevailed.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

JUNE 12 :
SALUTE TO DEMOCRACY AND ITS HEROES

By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi- Shonibare
June 12, 2025

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians. 🇳🇬🇳🇬

Today, we remember. We salute. We celebrate.
Exactly 32 years ago, on June 12, 1993, a free, fair, and peaceful election was held—an election Nigerians agreed was the freest in our history. Conducted through Option A4, a simple but transparent method of queuing behind your candidate, it produced a clear winner: Bashorun MKO Abiola.

There was no rain, no violence, and no doubt. The people spoke. But Nigeria’s self-styled “Maradona” chose to cancel that election. After years of organizing maradonic gubernatorial, legislative, and presidential elections and banning “old and those he called corrupt politicians,” General Ibrahim Babangida betrayed the nation’s will and dismantled all democratic structures. The betrayal birthed a tragedy—and a movement.

MKO Abiola, the man of the people, the symbol of hope, confronted the military. He would later pay the ultimate price for democracy—with his life.

In those dark days, many died on the streets of Ikorodu Road, and across Nigeria. Journalists were silenced, activists hounded, and democracy went into exile. Among those who ran for their lives was Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President, who fled through the NADECO underground to London where he became a pillar of the resistance.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the sacrifices we make today.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

It was a season f blood and steel. Yet, from those ashes arose voices of courage and dignity: Gani Fawehinmi, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Femi Falana, Anthony Enahoro, Abraham Adesanya, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Bola Ige, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and many more, some known, many unknown, whose stories are written in blood and fire.

Today, President Tinubu rightly honors these heroes, including journalists like Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, and Nosa Igiebor, who risked it all to keep truth alive. He also honors brave activists like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)—symbols of resistance whose legacies are immortal.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

Positive Changes Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Though the road remains long, Nigeria is finally making structural, painful, and necessary changes:

1. Fuel subsidy removal — Ending a multi-trillion-naira black hole.

2. Unification of exchange rates — Removing arbitrage and corruption.

3. Empowerment of Local Production — Encouraging Made-in-Nigeria.

4. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms — Advocating for local government autonomy.

5. Welfare and Safety Nets — With bold initiatives for direct intervention.

6. Digital Economy and Fintech Growth — Creating jobs and global reach.

7. Recognition of Historical Truths — June 12 declared Democracy Day.

Yet, we still have many rivers to cross. To truly reach the Promise Land, reforms must deepen:

Urgent Areas Needing Change:

True local Government Autonomy: Real power must return to the grassroots.

State Policing: Security must begin at home.

Judicial Independence: Speedy, fair, and firm justice.

Education Reform: From certificates to skills.

Infrastructure Drive: Roads, rails, and reliable electricity.

Youths and Women Inclusion: Not as tokens, but partners in leadership.

Food security across the country for all citizens.

A Tribute to the Heroes of Our Democracy

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” — Obafemi Awolowo

Known and Unknown Heroes (Honored or Not)

Bashorun MKO Abiola (GCFR)

Kudirat Abiola

Frank Kokori

Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

Gani Fawehinmi

Anthony Enahoro

Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)

Beko Ransome-Kuti

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)

Alfred Rewane

Ayo Opadokun

Senator Abraham Adesanya

Chief Bola Ige (CFR)

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)

Femi Falana, SAN (CON)

Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)

Kunle Ajibade (OON)

Bayo Onanuga (CON)

Chief Akabashorun

Prof. Olatunji Dare

Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)

Mama Bisoye Tejuosho

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Aare Dele Momodu

The PM News, TheNews & Tempo Crews
(BKO, Babafemi Ojudu, Dapo Olorunniola, Seye Kehide etc.)

All unknown soldiers of democracy — Activists, mothers, students, journalists, clergy, and civil society workers who refused to bow.

To Our Villains: Not Forgotten, but Forgiven.

Let their names fade into the dark corners of history—a lesson that power without conscience is a curse.

And So We March On…

From the days of draconian decrees and midnight arrests to the sunlight of ballots and open discourse, Nigeria has come far. But we must never forget

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” — Barack Obama

We are still writing this story.
Let our children read in future that we fought, we endured, and we prevailed.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians.
🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

Let us honor the past, correct the present, and shape a future worthy of our sacrifices.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless our heroes.
Long live democracy..

Let us honor the past, correct the present, and shape a future worthy of our sacrifices.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless our heroes.
Long live democracy.
🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

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2 days ago

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February 14, 2026

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Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

 

Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor, Lt. Gen. OA Ihejirika, as the retired General marks his 70th birthday.

 

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

In a heartfelt message released in Abuja on Friday, Buratai described Ihejirika as not only a distinguished soldier and statesman, but also a commander, mentor, and “architect of leadership” whose influence shaped a generation of senior military officers.

 

Buratai recalled that his professional rise within the Nigerian Army was significantly moulded under Ihejirika’s command, citing key appointments that defined his career trajectory.

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

 

According to him, the trust reposed in him through early command responsibilities, including his first command posting at Headquarters 2 Brigade and later as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, laid a solid foundation for his future leadership roles.

 

“These opportunities were not mere appointments; they were strategic investments in leadership,” Buratai noted, adding that such exposure prepared him for higher national responsibilities.

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

He further acknowledged that the mentorship and professional grounding he received under Ihejirika’s leadership were instrumental in his eventual appointment as Chief of Army Staff and later as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

 

Buratai praised Ihejirika’s command philosophy, describing it as professional, pragmatic, and mission-driven. He said the former Army Chief led by example, combining firm strategic direction with a clear blueprint for excellence that continues to influence military leadership practices.

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

 

“At seventy, General Ihejirika has earned the right to reflect on a legacy secured,” Buratai stated, praying for good health, peace, and enduring joy for the retired General as he enters a new decade.

 

He concluded by expressing profound gratitude for the leadership, mentorship, and lasting example provided by Ihejirika over the years.

 

The tribute was signed by Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who described himself as a grateful mentee and successor, underscoring the enduring bonds of mentorship within the Nigerian Army’s top leadership.

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Sagamu Plantation Row: Igimisoje-Anoko Family Challenges LG Claim

Published

1 week ago

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February 9, 2026

By

The Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family of Orile-Ofin in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State has strongly disputed claims by the Sagamu Local Government that a large expanse of land near the Sagamu–Ikenne Road belongs to the state government, insisting that the property remains ancestral land belonging to their forefathers.
The family’s reaction follows a public warning issued by the Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Ogbeni Jubril Olasile Odulate, cautioning residents against purchasing or occupying portions of what he described as a “state-owned rubber plantation” located beside the Ogun State Low-Cost Housing Estate near the NYSC Orientation Camp.
In the statement, the council alleged that some individuals were illegally selling and developing the land and maintained that the property had been earmarked for the proposed New Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA).
However, the Akarigbo family has countered the claim, describing the land as private ancestral property and not government-owned.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Omoba Babatunde Adegboyega Igimisoje, Secretary of the Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family, said the land forms part of Orile-Ofin, which he described as the ancestral headquarters of Remo before the creation of Sagamu town.
According to him, the area is an inheritance from their forefathers and historically belongs to the Akarigbo lineage.
“Orile-Ofin is our ancestral land and the headquarters of Remo in those days. It was during the reign of our forefathers that Sagamu was later formed and settled in 1872, while Orile-Ofin remained our village,” he said.
He explained that the specific portion currently in dispute historically belonged to Oba Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko, whom he described as the last Igimisoje-Anoko to reign as king on the land.
Reacting to the local government’s ownership claim, Adegboyega insisted that the rubber plantation was never government property.
He said the land was only temporarily acquired by the old Western Region government in 1959 for agricultural purposes.
“In 1959, the Western Region acquired the land for rubber plantation, but that did not transfer ownership to the government permanently,” he stated.
The family further claimed that the land was later returned to the original owners.
According to him, during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel between 2008 and 2011, steps were taken to return the land to the family, while his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, allegedly revoked lingering government control and formally handed it back to the Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family.
“It was duly returned to the rightful owners. So it is surprising to now hear that the land is being described as local government property,” he said.
He cautioned the council chairman against interfering in what he called a family land matter.
“The rubber plantation land is not government land and does not belong to the local government. The chairman should not join an issue he does not fully understand,” he added.
In the same vein, Prince Abdul Fatai, an executive member of the Anoko family, also warned the local government to stay away from the land, describing it as their forefathers’ heritage.
He appealed to the Ogun State Government and the Akarigbo of Remoland to intervene in the matter to prevent tension and ensure peace in the community.
“We are calling on the state government and the Akarigbo to step in so that this issue can be resolved peacefully. This is our inheritance, and we want justice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sagamu Local Government had maintained that the land belongs to the Ogun State Government and warned that anyone found buying, selling, fencing or developing plots in the area would face arrest and prosecution.
The dispute has now set the stage for a possible legal and administrative battle over ownership, with both sides standing firm on their claims.
Residents say they hope authorities and traditional institutions will urgently intervene to clarify ownership and prevent further conflict or losses for unsuspecting buyers.
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Sagamu Communities Exonerate Sir Kay Oluwo, Accuse Teriba of Land Invasions, Violence

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1 week ago

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February 9, 2026

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Residents of Ajeregun and eight other neighbouring communities in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State have distanced businessman Sir Kay Oluwo from allegations of land grabbing and unrest in the area, instead accusing one Kazeem Teriba and his associates of orchestrating violent land invasions and illegal sales of community lands.
The community’s attempts to link Sir Kay Oluwo to the disturbances were false and misleading, maintaining that he only acquired lands through legitimate family transactions backed by agreements and receipts.
Speaking on behalf of Ajeregun and Oyewole Bakare villages, Mr. Akani Awokoya said Teriba and his group had been crossing into neighbouring communities to sell lands without the consent of rightful owners.
“It is not Sir Kay Oluwo that is disturbing us,” Awokoya said. “Kazeem Teriba and his boys are the ones causing the problem. They come into our communities and start selling our lands without permission.”
He explained that Sir Kay Oluwo purchased land lawfully from his family.
“I personally sold my father’s land to Sir Kay. We have agreements and receipts. It was a proper transaction,” he added.
Awokoya alleged that Teriba’s group had been linked to repeated acts of intimidation and violence in the area, creating fear among residents.
“These people operate like bandits. They invade communities and disturb the peace. We have reported them to the police and also petitioned the Akarigbo-in-Council,” he said.
Corroborating the claims, the Public Relations Officer representing the nine communities in Aroko Latawa village, Prince Raheem Shitta Adeoye, also absolved Sir Kay Oluwo of any wrongdoing.
According to him, the unrest being experienced across the communities began last year and was allegedly tied to Teriba and his associates.
“Sir Kay Oluwo is not disturbing anyone here. Kazeem Teriba and his boys are the ones causing the unrest. That is why all the nine communities are crying out to the government for help,” Adeoye said.
He noted that Oluwo only purchased land legitimately, while some individuals were laying claim to ownership of multiple villages.
Meanwhile, families in the affected communities, through their solicitors, Tawose & Tawose Chambers, have submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police over the alleged activities of Teriba and several others.
The petition accused the suspects of offences including aiding and abetting violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The solicitors alleged that the named individuals invaded Ajeregun village in Sagamu armed with guns, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
They further claimed that during one of the incidents, a villager, Nasiru Semiu, sustained gunshot wounds and later died, while others were injured.
In a response dated January 5, 2026, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police acknowledged receipt of the petition and directed the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, to investigate the matter.
The letter, signed by CP Lateef Adio Ahmed, Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, confirmed that the case had been referred to the state command for appropriate action.
Community leaders said the development reinforces their call for a thorough investigation and urged the state government and security agencies to intervene to restore peace.
They maintained that Sir Kay Oluwo should not be blamed for the crisis and insisted that attention should instead focus on those allegedly responsible for the disturbances.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kazeem Teriba could not be reached for comment, as calls placed to his phone were not answered at the time of filing this report.
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