Soyinka, Olubadan Others Relive NADECO Success Story In Lagos

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]More than two decades after the grueling struggle for Nigeria's democracy, the ideals of good governance and national unity take center stage.

[00:00:11]Prominent leaders, traditional rulers, and pro-democracy icons gather at the Muson Centre in Lagos to launch the NADECO story, a definitive account of the coalition formed in May 1994 to fight military rule and reclaim the June 12 mandate.

[00:00:34]Author of the book and NADECO Secretary-General, Chief Ayo Opadokun, says the publication stands as a sacred documentation of Nigeria's uncompromising path to democracy. It got us with clarity and authenticity.

[00:00:50]We had strategies, sacrifices, and triumph in moments that stood against authoritarian rule.

[00:00:59]Importantly, the NADECO story ensures that history is neither distorted nor forgotten. Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, x-rays the movement, describing NADECO as a coalition built solely on truth, courage, and authenticity.

[00:01:16]Everything is authentic.

[00:01:20]We believe in the truth.

[00:01:23]Authentic, authentic, just like the truth.

[00:01:25]Personality, and which united us together can be the paralysis.

[00:01:32]Courage, courage, and all round authenticity because of the way it is designed.

[00:01:40]Also present is the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashid Ladoja, reinforcing the role of traditional institutions in preserving history. I am here today and everything to thank democracy.

[00:01:58]And I know >> President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, salutes the coalition sacrifice. He reiterates that MKO's battle extends far beyond June 12, that it's a fight for the very survival of the nation. The president assures Nigerians that while his administration confronts current economic and security challenges, balancing the nation's political equation remains a top priority.

[00:03:29]The event is also a moment of remembrance and honor. Media houses, veteran journalists, civil society leaders, and diplomats who risked their lives in the trenches receive awards.

[00:03:43]Emotion runs high. Posthumous awards also go to unsung heroes and martyrs of the struggle, including Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti and Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

[00:03:55]30 years later, the NADECO story serves as both a history lesson and a stark reminder that the democracy Nigerians enjoy today comes with a heavy price.