Tinubu, Dignitaries Attend National Premiere Of ‘MKO’ Documentary To Mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, led top government officials and dignitaries to the national premiere of MKO, a historic documentary chronicling Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
The high-profile screening, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formed a core part of the activities commemorating the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Directed by US-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, the documentary explores the life, political struggles, and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. It details the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election—widely regarded as a watershed moment in Nigerian history—as well as Abiola’s subsequent 1994 arrest and his ultimate death in detention in 1998.
The premiere drew a distinguished audience, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. State executives, including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), were also in attendance alongside key cabinet ministers.
Delivering a poignant tribute, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, led the gathering in a minute of silence to honor those who lost their lives, livelihoods, or freedom fighting for democratic rule.
“The democracy we enjoy today was built upon the courage and sacrifices of the people,” Onanuga stated, specifically naming icons like Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and murdered journalist James Bagauda Kaltho.
He noted that after 27 years of unbroken democracy since 1999, Chief Abiola has finally been officially acknowledged as the true winner of the 1993 election, shedding the title of “presumed” winner.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, welcomed guests and reiterated that documenting these historical events is vital so that younger generations understand that freedom came at a precious price. “We owe them a duty to ensure that no authority ever again overturns the freely expressed will of Nigerians,” she added.
Filmmaker Ose Oyamendan expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his lifelong tenacity and commitment to democratic principles, recalling his first interview with Tinubu when he was a senator back in 1992.
The administration’s strong presence at the premiere underscores its ongoing commitment to preserving Nigeria’s political history and honoring the heroes who paved the way for modern democratic governance.
