MKO Abiola Statue
| Artist | Bunmi Babatunde |
|---|---|
| Year | July 7, 2008 |
| Type | Statue |
| Material | |
| Condition | Erect |
| Location | Ojota, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Owner | Lagos State Government |
The MKO Abiola Statue is a monumental statue designed and erected by Bunmi Babatunde in memory of Chief Moshood Abiola, a politician who was widely regarded as the winner of the inconclusive 1993 Nigerian elections. Standing at about 9 feet 8 inches tall, the statue was unveiled on 7 July 2008 during the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola.
Background
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Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly referred to as MKO Abiola (24 August 1937 – 7 July 1998) was a businessman, publisher and politician.[1] He contested for the presidency at the 1993 Nigeria elections and was widely regarded as the winner although the final results weren't released.[2] In 1994, he was arrested and detained in prison on charges of treason after declaring himself as the President of Nigeria.[3] MKO Abiola died on 7 July 1998, the day he was due to be released from prison.[4] His death was trailed by suspicious circumstances, while an official autopsy stated that Abiola died of heart attack, General Sani Abacha's Chief Security Officer said Abiola was beaten to death.[5]
Purpose
In remembrance of the life, exploits and legacy set by Abiola, the Lagos State Government through former Governor Babatunde Fashola unveiled the MKO Abiola Statue on 7 July 2008 – exactly ten years after his death – in Ojota, a suburb of Lagos.[6] Bola Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State commended the initiative by Babatunde Fashola in “keeping the spirit of development in Lagos alive”.[7]
Structural description
Located at the heart of the "MKO Gardens" and standing at about 9ft 8inches tall, the MKO Abiola Statue is mounted on a concrete pedestal. The sculpture – made of bronze – shows a smiling Abiola wearing a flowing agbada with his two hands raised above chest level. The MKO Abiola Statue was first designed in 2003 before it was re-designed to its current state.[6]
References
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