Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the national premiere of MKO, a documentary chronicling the life and political legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
Epe Insights reports that the premiere was held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Sanwo-Olu shared his participation in the event in a message reflecting on Abiola’s place in Nigeria’s history and his connection to Lagos.
According to the governor, the documentary tells the story of Abiola’s life, including his journey in business and public life and the events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The film also examines the annulment of the election, Abiola’s subsequent detention and the pro-democracy struggle that followed.
Sanwo-Olu described Abiola’s story as particularly significant to Lagos, noting his connection to the state and the lasting impact of his activities on Lagos and Nigeria.
The governor said it was important for him to attend the premiere to honour Abiola’s memory and reflect on a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history.
The documentary, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, uses archival materials and accounts from people connected to the events surrounding the June 12 struggle.
The national premiere brought together senior government officials, political leaders, cultural figures and other personalities connected to Nigeria’s political history.
Among those who attended were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other dignitaries.
The documentary revisits the 1993 presidential election, its annulment by the military government and the pro-democracy campaign that followed.
It also covers Abiola’s detention and death in custody in 1998, while featuring archival footage and accounts from several prominent figures associated with the period.
The film had its international premiere at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the United Kingdom in June 2026 before its national premiere in Lagos.
Following the Lagos premiere, MKO was scheduled for nationwide cinema release from October 2, 2026.
For Sanwo-Olu, the documentary provides an opportunity to revisit the events and personalities that shaped a defining period in Nigeria’s democratic history.
He said Abiola’s story continues to hold significance for Lagos and the wider country, particularly in recalling the events surrounding June 12 and the subsequent struggle for democracy.
The governor’s participation at the premiere further placed Lagos at the centre of the national commemoration surrounding the documentary and its retelling of Abiola’s place in Nigeria’s history.
