In the annals of Nigeria’s tumultuous journey towards democracy, the names of many valiant men echo through the halls of history. Yet, the recent Democracy Day speech by President Bola Tinubu has cast a spotlight on a glaring omission: the recognition of women who have been pivotal in this struggle. Among the over thirty heroes named, only Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of Moshood Abiola, was mentioned, leaving out notable figures like Ayo Obe and Joe Okei-Odumakin.
Ayo Obe, a formidable lawyer and human rights activist, has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s legal and social movements for decades. As the president of the Civil Liberties Organisation, she led the charge to actualize the mandate of the late MKO Abiola following the 1993 presidential election. Her relentless pursuit of democratic reforms saw her passport seized in 1996, yet she remained undeterred, later overseeing the Transition Monitoring Group and serving on the Police Service Commission.
Joe Okei-Odumakin’s journey in activism began with her role in Women in Nigeria (WIN) and continued as she faced the wrath of the Babangida regime, enduring seventeen detentions. Her resilience shone as she rose to become the assistant general secretary of the Campaign for Democracy during the peak of the June 12 annulment crisis. Today, she leads several organizations, advocating for human rights and community development.
The omission of these women from the president’s list is not just an oversight; it is a reflection of the broader societal tendency to underplay women’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic fabric. Their sacrifices and triumphs are no less significant than those of their male counterparts. They too bore the brunt of authoritarian rule, faced the threats to their lives and liberties, and yet, they stood firm in their convictions.
As we celebrate the heroes of our democracy, let us not forget that the narrative is incomplete without the likes of Obe and Okei-Odumakin. Their absence from the list does not diminish their impact but rather calls for a more inclusive recounting of our history. It is time to acknowledge that the fight for democracy was not carried by men alone; women were, and continue to be, at the forefront of this battle.
The story of Nigeria’s democracy is rich and multifaceted, woven by the hands of both men and women who dared to dream of a free nation. As we honor the past, we must also pave the way for future generations to recognize and appreciate the contributions of all, regardless of gender. Let us ensure that the sheroes of our democracy are not relegated to the footnotes of history but are celebrated as the pillars they truly are.
The recognition of democratic heroes should transcend gender and encompass all who have played a part in shaping our nation’s destiny. As we move forward, let us remember that every voice that has spoken for freedom, every hand that has held the banner of justice, belongs to a hero, and every hero deserves their due place in the annals of our history.
