The Research Centre For Integrity Assessment & Evaluation (RCIAE) has on Monday, June 12 rewarded High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland with Unsung June 12 Hero’s award for his contibutions to the National Democratic Coalition, widely known as NADECO, a pro-democracy group formed on 15 May 1994 by a broad coalition of Nigerian democrats, who called on the military government of Sani Abacha to step down in favor of the winner of the 12 June 1993 election, M. K. O. Abiola.
According to the Secretary of the Centre, Mr. Bolaji Aremu, many heroes who played crucial and commendable roles by standing against the annulment of June 12 Presidential Election, an election described by both national and international communities as most free, fair and credible election and forcing end to military rule in Nigeria are yet to be adequately rewarded for risking their lives and that of their family to save democracy in Nigeria.
He said, “Chief Rashidi Ladoja might not be too confrontational with the military junta of Abacha, like few regularly mentioned others, but without offering his silent supports, like intellectual prowess, hard-earned money as well as properties to the struggle, success wouldn’t have been recorded by the NADECO and perhaps we would have still be under military rule in the 21st century.
“It was also on record that Ladoja went completely into hidden after making a devastating speech in 1994 against the military government, led by the late Gen. Sanni Abacha. Fortunately, with divine intervention, Ladoja escaped and was in exile untill the death of General Sanni Abacha in 1998, but his business was grossly affected. Only those who knew what happened to Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and several others who were unlucky to have been killed, likewise those who were fortunate to narrowly escaped but terribly wounded under Abacha regime brutality could appreciate Ladoja’s narrow escape,” Aremu stated
Meanwhile, Ladoja is currently out of the country for business purposes, but he has been notified of the award.
“Initially, we expected Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli to do the presentation but when we got to know of High Chief Ladoja’s traveling we thought distinguished Senator Alli would receive it in his absentia, unfortunately again, Alli is unavoidably absent today, due to the inauguration ceremony of the new national legislators coming up tomorrow in Abuja at the national assembly complex.
“However, we have informed the Ibadan High Chief that presentation will be done when he returns to the country, at his convenient time and date,” Aremu added.
