Do you know that statues and monuments are tangible reminders of people and events, they are a visual narrative of a historical figure, happenings and the past. They are important tools for documenting history and is a very important tool for memorialization. In this post i want to share with you 3 significant statues and monument around Ikeja mainland axis In Nigeria.
Kudirat Abiola Cenotaph
The Kudirat Abiola Cenotaph is a monument erected to honor Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, she was a democracy activist, a mother, and wife to Chief M.K.O Moshood Abiola. She played an important role in advocating for her husband Chief M.K.O Moshood Abiola (he was the winning candidate of the 1993 presidential election),mandate and democratic rights before her assassination on June 1996. The cenotaph is also an important physical structure that symbolizes Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, justice and political freedom especially during the 1990s military rule period.
The cenotaph was erected and commissioned in 2000 by the Lagos State government under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and restoration was done by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu. You can find the Cenotaph monument along Mobolaji Johnson way in Oregun, Lagos, beside Coca-Cola plant, near the old toll gate along Oshodi-Ikeja express way Lagos.
Headless Fela Anikulapo Kuti Statue
Headless Fela Anikulapo Kuti statue which is also called the liberation statue is a 25 foot fiberglass monument located in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.. It was created by Nigerian Artist AboloreSobayo. . The statue was unveiled on October 15, 2017 by Governo Akinwunmi Ambode.
The statue was created to commemorate Felas legacy, his philosophy as a musician, activist and social critic. It can be found at Allen roundabout,Ikeja Lagos. The statues serves as a reminder of the fight for freedom, liberation from neo-colonialism, bad governance and human dignity.
20- Feets Obafemi Awolowo sitting down statue
The 20-feet Obafemi Awolowo Statue was unveiled mat Lateef Jakande Road, Ikeja, on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. It is located on Obafemi Awolowo way by the Lagos Television junction, Lateef Jakande Road, Ikeja. The artist who did the Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the artist, Hamza Atta. It is important to note that Obafemi Awolowo was a prominent Nigerian statesman, nationalist, and political thinker, known for his advocacy of federalism, social welfare, and progressive policies. He was also a key figure in the Nigerian independence movement and the leader of the Action Group party and he coined the Naira.
These statues and monument serves as an educational landmark, and they preserve Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage. They would help reinforce and reinform the public and promote historical awareness of the historical figure and event.
All videos of the statues by me Kadishi Oliseh
Image of The Kudirat Abiola Cenotaph from punch newspaper
Image of Headless Fela Anikulapo Kuti statue from the guardian
Image of 20- Feets Awolowo sitting down statue from Punch newspaper
