By Ghazali Ibrahim
Twenty-seven years ago, on July 7, 1998, Nigeria lost Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the man who won what is widely considered the freest and fairest election in the country’s history.
His sudden death in detention just as the country was preparing to exit decades of military rule left a deep scar on Nigeria’s democratic journey. But Abiola’s legacy transcends politics. He was a business mogul, media pioneer, sports philanthropist, and relentless advocate for justice.
As the nation continues to reflect on its democratic progress each June 12, now officially marked as Democracy Day, here are eight enduring facts that capture the depth and breadth of MKO Abiola’s extraordinary life:
1. Born on August 24, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, MKO was named Kashimawo, meaning “Let us wait and see” in Yoruba. He was the first child to survive infancy among his parents’ many children. This name symbolized the cautious hope his family held for him, a metaphor that would later define his life filled with trials, triumphs, and tragedy. He was eventually formally named Moshood after it was clear he would thrive.
2. MKO rose from humble beginnings from hawking firewood and working odd jobs as a child to become one of Africa’s most successful businessmen. After studying accountancy at the University of Glasgow, he returned to Nigeria and joined ITT Nigeria, eventually becoming Chairman. From there, he built an expansive empire including Concord Press, Concord airline, Summit Oil, Wonder Bakeries, and Abiola Farms, employing thousands across West Africa. He was admired for combining commerce with compassion.
3. Nicknamed the “Pillar of Sports in Africa”, Abiola wasn’t just a fan, he was a force. He founded Abiola Babes Football Club, funded numerous sports events, and personally supported Nigerian and African athletes. In 1985, he donated $100,000 to launch the CAF Cup. His contributions earned him several awards from the Confederation of African Football. He believed sports could unite the continent, and he backed that belief with his fortune.
4. Abiola made an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape. In 1980, he launched Concord Press, publisher of the National Concord and Sunday Concord, his airline, Concord airline among others. The papers became leading voices in investigative journalism and political analysis. His first wife, Simbiat Abiola died in 1992 while he was in the preparation for the presidential election. Abiola used his media to challenge the status quo and speak truth to power until the government shut them down after the annulled 1993 election. Still, his legacy as Father of the Nigerian Press endures.
5. In June 1993, running under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Abiola won the presidential election in what many describe as Nigeria’s fairest and most peaceful poll. He defeated Bashir Tofa of the NRC in a vote that transcended ethnic and religious divisions. But his victory was abruptly annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, plunging the country into political chaos. Abiola’s campaign slogan, “Hope ’93”, still echoes in Nigeria’s democratic narrative.
6. Following the annulment, Abiola waited for official validation. When none came, he declared himself president on June 11, 1994, during a bold speech at Epetedo, Lagos. That act of defiance led to his arrest and detention without trial. Despite international calls for his release, the military regime kept him imprisoned for nearly four years. He refused all offers that would have required him to renounce his mandate. He chose principles over comfort. In 1996, one of his main wives, Kudirat Abiola died from gunshot which was said to be ochestrated by then military head of state, General Sani Abacha.
7. On July 7, 1998, just a month after military dictator General Sani Abacha died, and a day before he was expected to be released, MKO Abiola died in detention. Officially, the cause was heart failure, but suspicions of poisoning persisted. His death came hours after he met a U.S. delegation that included Thomas Pickering and Susan Rice. His sudden demise sparked riots in Lagos and deepened mistrust of the military regime.
8. In 2018, two decades after his death, President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously awarded Abiola Nigeria’s highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title reserved for presidents. More significantly, Buhari declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29. The announcement was seen as partial restitution for the injustice done to Abiola and a national acknowledgment of his role in birthing democracy.
