How we planned Coup to actualise June 12, install Abiola, Says Federal Minister Dele Alake
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake has revealed how he and others planned a military coup with some Generals to actualise June 12.
The coup was planned to install the late winner of June 12 election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
He also spoke on how Abiola arranged a British Visa for him within 24 hours at a private residence.
Alake was former Editor of Concord Newspapers owned by Abiola.
The Minister shared a personal account of his involvement in a plot to restore Chief MKO Abiola to power after the annulled 1993 election.
According to Alake, some Generals approached him and a fellow activist about taking military action on Abiola’s behalf while he was in exile in London.
As the planned coup gained momentum, Alake’s colleague, Segun Babatope, began to have second thoughts. Alake recalled the moment Babatope’s doubts surfaced while driving on the Third Mainland Bridge.
He continued, “He started shaking. He couldn’t drive again. He parked. His legs were shaking on the pedals because he kept saying, ‘I’m a journalist. I’ve never plotted a coup in my life. I don’t want to be involved in this coup,'”
After calming Babatope, Alake took over the driving, and they decided to seek divine intervention. “We drove straight to Deeper Life Church in Gbagada because that was where he attended. We asked the Deeper Life pastors to pray for us because of what we were getting ourselves into, planning a coup with soldiers and all that,” Alake revealed.
Following the prayer session, they sought advice from Dr. Olatunji Dare, who warned them of the dangers they faced.
“Dr. Olatunji Dare told us, ‘Look, boys, you have to get out of the country fast, fast. If you attend that Monday meeting, you are going for the guillotine,'” Alake quoted.
Alake and his colleague heeded the warning and left the country after Dr. Doyin Abiola secured a British visa for Alake on short notice. Alake left Nigeria that same night, joining Chief Abiola in London.
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