June 12 Reflections: Prof. Aremo and Hon. Oyewole Urge Nigerians to Uphold Democracy, Advocate for Institutional Strengthening
As Nigeria marked another Democracy Day on June 12, prominent voices in Ondo State added weight to the national reflection, calling for renewed commitment to democratic principles and institutional strengthening. Among them was the Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), Professor Igbekele Aremo, who firmly advocated for the preservation and fortification of state electoral bodies, rejecting the notion of their dissolution. Speaking passionately, Prof. Aremo stated that the future of freedom lies in democracy, and a resilient democratic structure remains the best safeguard against oppression.
“Democracy is the answer if you want true freedom,” Aremo declared at the Democracy Day commemoration held at the Ondo State Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), located along Igbatoro Road, Akure. “What we are enjoying today is the result of the ultimate sacrifice made by Chief MKO Abiola in 1993.” He emphasized that the events of June 12 should not be forgotten but should serve as a rallying point for a stronger federal system with clearer separation of powers and a more empowered local electoral process.
Prof. Aremo noted with pride the strides made in the state’s local electoral process. “We must leverage the lessons of the past to shape a glorious future. Ondo State has become a cynosure during local government elections—our transparency and fairness have set an example nationally,” he remarked, urging other states to follow suit. His remarks underline the role of local electoral commissions as crucial instruments of grassroots democracy, not obstacles to national unity.
Adding a historical and emotional layer to the day’s reflections, Pere Barrister Zachous, the traditional ruler of Agadagba Aribo Ijaw Kingdom, recounted his own participation in the June 12 election era. “I was a council leader then. Abiola clearly won that election. What he could have done for Nigeria would have been phenomenal,” he said with a mix of pride and regret. His words echo the widespread belief that June 12 represents a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey—one marked by both hope and missed opportunities.
Also speaking at the event was Hon. Aderemi Oyewole, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Interparty Affairs. Sharing his personal memories of the historic day, Oyewole reflected on his youthful involvement in politics at the age of 21. “June 12 is a day that is difficult to forget in the history of Nigeria,” he noted. “I was in SSS One then and already involved in political activism. It shows the level of consciousness and passion that the moment ignited across the country.”
Hon. Oyewole took the opportunity to encourage Nigerians to remain calm and steadfast in the current democratic process. He acknowledged the challenges facing the nation but expressed optimism in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. “Let me use this medium to advise our amiable people of Ondo State and Nigeria to keep calm and be hopeful. I can assure you that things will come back to normal,” he said, striking a note of reassurance amid prevailing national uncertainties.
As Ondo State reflected alongside the rest of the nation, the voices of leaders like Prof. Aremo and Hon. Oyewole offered both wisdom and vision—reminders that democracy is a long journey that must be nurtured by patience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to institutional growth. The echoes of June 12 remain alive not merely in remembrance, but in the daily struggle to strengthen the fabric of Nigeria’s democratic
experience.