• Ola Oni’s widow, son seek honours for late activist, ‘prisoners of war’
By Oluseye Ojo
On June 12, 2025, the nation took a moment to reflect on its long, tumultuous journey towards democracy as President Bola Tinubu conferred honours on select individuals. The day was etched in the annals of Nigerian history as a bittersweet reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made to achieve democratic governance.
Amid the celebration, some voices cried out for recognition. The voices probably echoed in the heart of every Nigerian who longs for a more inclusive acknowledgement of their heroes.
One of such heroes was a university lecturer, Dr. Ola Oni, aka, Comrade Ola Oni. He was among 49 other “prisoners of war” arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the May Day riots for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Basorun MKO Abiola.
Widow of the late rights activist, Kehinde Ola, is seeking recognition, not just for her late husband, but for all unsung heroes, who contributed to the democratic trajectory of Nigeria.
The then military junta of General Sani Abacha arrested Ola Oni along former governor Lam Adesina, Femi Adeoti, then Editor, Sunday Tribune, but now with The Sun, former chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, aka, Tokyo, Kehinde Adesina and others. They were declared as “Prisoners of War” by Col. Usman Ahmed, military administrator, Oyo State and detained at Agodi Prisons, Ibadan.
Kehinde spoke passionately about her husband: “It was a surprise that my husband, Comrade Ola Oni, was not included among those honoured this year. He went through so much to ensure that democracy was established in Nigeria.
“When many ran away from threats, he stayed behind. He fought for democracy, for justice, and for the poor. His sacrifices shouldn’t be forgotten.”
The memories she shared also reflected a life steeped in activism, and a life where her home served as a sanctuary for like-minded individuals, where ideologies formed and threats loomed.
She recalled the night she received news from Hafsat Abiola, daughter Abiola, as the two women coordinated a remembrance event for Alhaja Kudirat Abiola in Ibadan in 1996.
“Hafsat was then in America. She sent message to me in Ibadan for remembrance of her mother, Alhaja Kudirat. She sent Nike, daughter of Beko Ransome-Kuti over the remembrance. I coordinated Oyo State for the pogramme. We gathered many women organisations for the programme.
“We did workshop for Kudirat Abiola. She also brought some resources persons. We did the programme at Kakanfo Inn in Ibadan, and that was 1996.”
Kehinde said her husband’s efforts were pivotal during some of Nigeria’s darkest days. As the Federal Government during the June 12 Award, this year, honoured a select few, Kehinde said: “We are not angry with those who were awarded.But we want Comrade Ola Oni and his co-prisoners of war to also be recognised. It might have escaped President Tinubu’s mind. We want him to remember that my husband was one of those who declared Abiola the winner of the June 12, 1993 election.
“Democracy is not only built upon celebrated individuals, but also on the shoulders of many who laboured in silence.” She added that her husband did not only organise protests, he was also actively involved with various activist coalitions.
Kehinde stated that the close ties that her husband had with other prominent figures like Beko Ransom-Kuti, signalled that the fight for democracy was indeed a collective effort.
While Kehinde’s voice echoed the desire for recognition, she also reflected on an incident that left her blind, which she described as a casualty of the very struggle her husband devoted his life to.
“It was on March 19, 2001, during a meeting at our home in Bodija, Ibadan, when police stormed in and fired teargas canisters.
“I lost my sight because of the struggle. I want my husband to be recognised, not just for our family’s sake but for a democratic future that remembers its warriors,” she recounted.
Her twin sister, Mrs. Taiwo Adesida, also shared in the struggle: “I came to her house after hearing what happened in 2001. All the doors were open, as if no one had been there. The effects of the teargas still lingered, and it affected my eyes too.
“While my sister married Comrade Ola Oni, I married Prince Adeyemi Adesida. Her husband was a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, my husband was in the Chemistry Department, both in the University of Ibadan.
“I am joining my sister to call on the Federal Government to remember Comrade Ola Oni and honour him with June 12 Award.”
Wale, first son of the Ola Onis, mirrored his mother’s fiery resolve: My father started activism in the early 1970s. He was a true fighter for the rights of the people.
“His activism began when the Federal Government increased meal ticket fees for students, leading to riots on campus.”
In recounting his father’s storied past, Wale provided glimpses into a life marred by governmental repression which was further complicated by military oppression: “He was often detained, even accused of masterminding student riots. His dedication to activism was something we carry with pride.
“There was a time in the University of Ibadan when Federal Government increased fees for meal tickets for students. It was during the ‘Alli Must Go’ riot. My father was accused of being the mastermind of the riot in UI.
He was retired by the military government in 1979. It was the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari that reinstated him.”
Wale added that a former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, “was nominated for governorship position in our house.
“My father was arrested again on May 1, 1998, while protesting. He was arrested on the field. Those that struggled for the actualisation of June 12, Ola Oni must be among the first five. He headed Apapo Omo Oodua.
“He was arrested by Sani Abacha. He was at the point of killing them when he (Abacha) suddenly died. My father eventually died on December 22, 1999.”
The widow of Ola Oni also stated: “If my husband is awarded, his spirit will be happy where he is. The June 12 Awards ought to acknowledge that democracy is a multifaceted pursuit, one drenched in the sweat and blood of individuals from every corner of society.”