Kolade Larewaju
19 May 2008
Lagos — THE Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, yesterday asked Nigerians to forgive former President Ibrahim Babangida for his annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola, saying that he (Babangida) has since apologised.
Oba Adetona, who spoke at a reception for former President Babangida at the Sagamu home of Governor Olugbenga Daniel, said the former President's apology was genuine.
He said, "the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election was a mistake which General Ibrahim Babangida has apologised to Nigerians and should be seen as of the past which we should all forgive and forget."
The Awujale said but for the mistake of the annulment, Babangida's tenure as Nigeria's leader was successful, adding that success was the hallmark of his administration.
In his response, the former President, who was in Governor Daniel's home on a condolence visit, described the Awujale as a brutally frank person who would never mince words.
Babangida said, "The Awujale is brutally frank. He will tell you the way it is. He does not hesitate to say his mind on anything. Whatever the Awujale says come straight from his heart."
He explained that he was in Sagamu to pay condolence visit to Daniel, adding: "I missed the opportunity to be at the burial of Mama Esther Olaitan Daniel for the reasons beyond my control, but I have insisted on paying this personal condolence based on mutual respect.
"I have studied Governor Gbenga Daniel and I believe strongly that he has a role to play in this country in the nearest future."
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Isn't that preposterous as MKO Abiola is dead as well as many notable Nigerians because of his evil plot on all Nigeria. I don't think Nigeria will know peace until he's brought to book. All he's waiting for is the death of his opponenets Gani, Prof Wole Shoyinka etc. For him to make his evil re-entry. Wake fellow Nigerians time indeed has not heal the old wound he's put salt on. Nigeria is in this mess because of his selfish ambishion and adventure. The innocent have paid dearly for all is evil from Dele Giwa, Chief Awolowo........to Prof Jadesola Akanni… [Read Full Text]