Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, a well-known public affairs commentator and proponent of effective governance, has voiced significant objections to renaming Aso Rock Villa in tribute to Chief Moshood Abiola. Akinyemi, also leading the Apostolic Round Table (ART) and serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Project Victory Call Initiative (PVC Naija), recently addressed various crucial national topics in a comprehensive discussion.
According to Independent Nigeria, Akinyemi argued that symbolic gestures, such as renaming Aso Rock Villa, are insufficient to address the profound losses associated with Abiola's legacy. He stressed that Chief Abiola's true legacy lies in his advocacy for free and fair elections, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights—principles that were significantly undermined during his lifetime. According to Akinyemi, naming a building after Abiola fails to compensate for the democratic values and rights that were compromised.
Akinyemi drew a parallel between Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's current situation and emphasized the contradiction in celebrating Abiola while simultaneously detaining individuals like Kanu, whose rights have also been ignored. He highlighted that despite court orders for his release, Kanu remains in custody, which contradicts the democratic principles that Abiola stood for and for which he sacrificed his life.
Akinyemi raised doubts about the genuineness of honoring Abiola by naming the Villa after him, highlighting the paradox of celebrating Abiola's fight for democracy while overlooking Kanu's ongoing detention. He pointed out that Kanu's prolonged imprisonment, despite court rulings in favor of his release, sharply contradicts the democratic values Abiola championed.
He also emphasized that simply changing the name of the Villa cannot correct the injustices associated with Abiola's legacy. Issues such as the absence of fair elections, respect for legal principles, and the safeguarding of human rights require more than symbolic gestures; they demand meaningful steps to be resolved. He urged a reassessment of efforts to honor Abiola's memory, suggesting that honoring his contributions should involve actively upholding the principles he fought for, rather than relying on superficial actions.
Hear him: "Whatever they want to name after Abiola can’t make up for Abiola. What was lost in Abiola was a free and fair election, the rule of law and human rights."