Olalekan Abiola, son of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has made several revelations concerning the personal, political, and business legacy of his father, offering both a personal and historical perspective in an extensive interview commemorating the anniversary of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. In the candid conversation, Olalekan opened up about family dynamics, his father’s legacy, unresolved government debts, and the national recognition of the sacrifices made by the Abiola family in Nigeria’s march towards democracy.
One of the striking revelations from the interview was the matter of paternity surrounding Chief MKO Abiola. According to Olalekan, a total of 120 individuals came forward after Abiola’s death claiming to be his biological children. However, after conducting DNA tests as directed in MKO Abiola’s will, only 54 were confirmed as his legitimate children. This meant that 66 people were found not to be his biological offspring. Olalekan explained that many of these women had presented themselves to MKO voluntarily and, in numerous instances, brought along their children claiming to have been abandoned by their spouses. Out of compassion, MKO would provide shelter and financial assistance to them. Some of these women went further to change their children’s surnames to “Abiola” and started identifying as his wives—even when no such marriage had taken place.
Olalekan emphasized that this generosity and kindness often led to the misconception that his father was indiscriminately involved with numerous women. In reality, he said, many of these relationships were initiated by the women themselves. Every day, 10 to 15 different women, varying in physical appearance and background, would gather at MKO’s residence seeking his help or support. This aspect of his life, Olalekan acknowledged, was the only point that might be viewed as a shortcoming, but he was quick to add that MKO’s intentions were more humanitarian than romantic.
Beyond personal anecdotes, Olalekan delved into the trauma of losing both parents under distressing circumstances. He expressed deep sorrow over his mother’s assassination, stating that her death was more emotionally shattering than his father’s demise. At the time of her death, she was healthy and at home, not under any form of house arrest or threat. One moment she was with the family, and the next, she was killed. Her death, which occurred while MKO was still in military detention, left the family devastated. Olalekan recalled that they had regular communication with her and were even expecting her to travel to the United States to visit them shortly before she was gunned down.
In contrast, he said, they had somewhat prepared emotionally for MKO’s passing because he had been in military detention for four years before his death. The painful loss of both parents within a short span was a direct consequence of the struggle associated with the June 12 mandate, making it an especially personal cost for the Abiola family.
Financially, Olalekan noted that while his parents left them with the means to sustain themselves, the family has yet to receive the money owed to MKO Abiola by the Nigerian government. He disclosed that his late father had executed several contracts with various ministries, including the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Education—where he supplied books—and the Ministry of Defence. Despite repeated promises from past administrations, none of the debts has been paid.
According to Olalekan, former President Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledged the debt and promised to settle it by setting up a committee to review and audit the claims. Unfortunately, that promise was never fulfilled before Obasanjo left office. Subsequent administrations, including that of President Goodluck Jonathan, made similar assurances. Jonathan, during a pre-election meeting, pledged to address the matter in his second term. However, he lost the election and never had the opportunity to act on his promise. When President Muhammadu Buhari came into power, Olalekan said the family didn’t receive any compensation either—though Buhari did recognize MKO Abiola by declaring June 12 as Democracy Day. President Bola Tinubu, a close political ally and long-time associate of MKO, has not yet made any statements or commitments regarding the outstanding debts or compensation to the Abiola family.
Olalekan emphasized the significance of honoring his father’s memory, not just in ceremonial terms, but in ways that truly reflect the sacrifices MKO made for the country’s democratic progress. He suggested that one meaningful way to immortalize Chief MKO Abiola would be to place his photograph in Aso Rock among past Nigerian presidents. According to him, even those who came into power through military coups, such as General Sani Abacha and General Ibrahim Babangida, have their portraits displayed. He questioned why an elected president who was denied the opportunity to serve should not receive the same recognition. Additionally, he appealed to the federal government to pay the allowances and benefits MKO would have been entitled to as an elected president to the family as a form of justice and closure.
Another key issue raised by Olalekan was the division within the Abiola family. He criticized his older brother, Kola Abiola, for failing to unite all the children of MKO. Instead of stepping into a leadership role that would encompass all the children of the late philanthropist, Kola has allegedly chosen to only care for his biological mother’s children. Olalekan expressed disappointment in this lack of inclusive leadership, suggesting that the family remains fragmented largely due to this.
On a national scale, Olalekan credited his father with being ahead of his time. He noted that in present-day Nigeria, an election winner would not be denied the presidency without legal proceedings, which was not the case during MKO’s time. He underscored how MKO’s 1993 presidential campaign broke significant ethnic and religious barriers. Despite being a Muslim with a Muslim running mate, MKO received massive support from Christians across the country. He even defeated his opponent in Kano, a predominantly Hausa-Fulani region, signifying widespread national appeal. This, Olalekan said, stunned the political establishment and contributed to the annulment of the election.
He stressed that MKO was not just a symbol of Yoruba pride but a unifying figure who had strong relationships across all geopolitical zones of the country. The annulment of his victory was not just an attack on one man but on democracy itself.
Reflecting on the values he inherited from his father, Olalekan emphasized faith and charity. He said his father was devoutly religious, lived by Islamic principles, and taught his children the importance of daily prayers and charitable deeds. MKO avoided vices such as drinking, gambling, or clubbing, preferring instead to help others with his wealth. He believed that helping people brought divine blessings, a philosophy that defined his life and legacy.
Today, Olalekan draws some comfort from the fact that Nigerians continue to remember and honor his father’s sacrifices decades after his death. He sees this enduring reverence as proof that MKO Abiola’s life was impactful, even in death. He praised the efforts by both federal and Ogun State governments to remember his father but reiterated the need for more concrete actions—like paying owed debts, displaying his image at Aso Rock, and recognizing him formally as a president-elect.
Finally, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Olalekan expressed pride in the country’s uninterrupted democracy since 1999, a significant milestone compared to the past. He called for equity and fairness in political representation, suggesting that when the presidency rotates back to the South, the South-East should be supported to produce the next president, in the spirit of national inclusion and progress.