By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Research Centre For Integrity Assessment & Evaluation (RCIAE) on Monday, awarded the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland’, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, with the Unsung June 12 Hero’s award.
According to RCIAE Secretary, Mr Bolaji Aremu, the award was in recognition of the contributions of High Chief Ladoja during June 12, 1993 annulled election
Mr Aremu pointed out that many heroes who planned crucial and commendable roles in standing against the annulment of an election described by both national and international communities as most free, fair and credible election and end to military rule in Nigeria are not justifiably rewarded for risking their lives and that of their family for Nigeria’s unity.
“Chief Rashidi Ladoja might not be too confrontational with the military junta of Abacha, like few regularly mentioned others, but without offering his silent support, 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,” he said.
Mr Aremu added, ” It was also on record that Ladoja went completely into hiding after making a devastating speech in 1994) against the military government, led by the late Gen. Sani Abacha. Fortunately again, with divine intervention, Ladoja escaped and was in exile until the death of General Sani 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 escape but terribly wounded under Abacha regime brutality could appreciate Ladoja’s narrow escape.
RCIAE maintained, ” 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 Awardee that presentation will be done when he returns to the country, at his convenient time and date,”
