In a poignant account, Hon. (Prince) Olayiwola Oyedele Shotomiwa shared his harrowing experience during the June 12, 1993, protest, which marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy. Despite his bravery and dedication, Shotomiwa expressed his disappointment at being forgotten and overlooked for recognition, even within his local community.

Shotomiwa, who was just 23 years old at the time, recalled the traumatic events that unfolded during and after the protest. As a truck mechanic apprentice, he was brutally beaten by Nigerian soldiers at Ojubode, Ikorodu, Lagos State, and forced to flee for his life. He took refuge under an Igbo woman’s bed near Olori Oyefusi’s shop, leaving him with physical scars that still remain to this day.

Despite the danger, Shotomiwa single-handedly shut down his town, Igbogbo, in Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State, burning condemned tires and singing solidarity songs. His actions were driven by his passion for democracy and his desire to see Nigeria become a better nation.

He expressed his gratitude to individuals like Hon. SOB Agunbiade, Comr. Japhet Odesanya, etc. who stood in solidarity with him during the protest. However, he lamented that the government has only recognized and celebrated those at the top, neglecting the contributions of ordinary Nigerians who risked their lives for the cause.

Shotomiwa emphasized that the Federal Government needs to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by grassroots activists who were instrumental in the success of the June 12 movement. He urged the government to look for those who participated in the struggle and honor their contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.

Shotomiwa’s political journey began with his involvement in the June 12 protest, and he has since remained committed to the cause, joining various political parties, including the Zero Party, UNCP, SDP, AD, AC, ACN, and APC.

Notably, his family has a rich political history, with his late father, Chief Thompson Oke Sotomiwa, being an ardent follower of Obafemi Awolowo, and his late brother, Hon. (Amb.) Rotimi Olasiji Sotomiwa, who represented Ìkorodu Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2007 until his untimely death in 2010, while still in office.