Take a look at Veteran Nollywood Actor Dele Odule 35 years ago (1988)
The speech that Leeds Abiola to Jail
Abiola who was frustrated by one full year (less just a day) of futile attempts to reclaim his mandate, delivered the speech that ultimately led to his arrest, incarceration and death. In the speech, Abiola proclaimed himself the President and Commander-in-Chief’ of the Federal republic of Nigeria and proclaimed “a new Government of National Unity”. He also “reconvened” the National Assembly, “reinstated” all dismissed governors, and “reconstituted” the state assemblies and local government councils.A After the speech, Sani Abacha, the military head of state, declared him wanted for treason and ordered his arrest. He was incarcerated for four years, and he died on July 7, 1998 — the day he was to be freed. The speech which was fondly described as the ‘Epetedo Proclamation’ — having been delivered in Epetedo, Lagos Island, is reproduced below to offer the younger generation an insight into the thoughts of a man described by one of his sons as “the president who never ruled”.
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