MKO, June 12 and Historical Duty
Postscript by Waziri Adio On October 1st, the national premiere of a documentary titled “MKO” was held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos with
On October 1st, a documentary titled "MKO" was premiered nationally in Lagos, attended by President Bola Tinubu. "MKO" is a comprehensive retelling of the history of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the unexpected victory of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, also known as MKO, and the subsequent annulment of the election.
The documentary, written, directed, and narrated by Ose Oyamendan, a journalist and filmmaker, offers rare footage, recreated scenes, and interviews with over 50 subjects who were directly involved in the events of that era. The film provides critical insights and lessons from the precursors of Nigeria's current democratic dispensation.
Despite efforts to document the events of June 12, the story remained contested and many questions lingered, even among those who lived through the era. "MKO" not only fills this historical gap but also illuminates the dual nature of Nigeria's history during that time - a moment of unity through voting across ethnic and religious lines, and the subsequent division and conflict that arose.
The documentary emphasizes the complex interplay of sacrifice, opportunism, and the brutal reality of military dictatorship.
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