Consistent with the practice in the past six years, and, as a way of identifying with and keeping the ideals ofJune 12alive, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has declaredMonday, June 12, 2017a work free day.

The annual holiday is in honour of the late illustrious son of the state, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola, who, according to a statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta by the Secretary to Ogun State government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, was widely believed to have won the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

According to the statement, “This year’s celebration will feature the annual ‘Democracy Walk’, which will be led by the Governor, starting from theJune 12Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta at 7 in the morning.

“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 theJune 12Cultural Centre, between3:45 and 6:00pm.

“All government functionaries, activists, civil society organisations, democracy volunteers, civil servants, labour/trade unions, students, market women/men and other stakeholders, are enjoined to participate in the events, designed to draw awareness to the continued relevance ofJune 12.”