The family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola has formally demanded detailed information on the alleged N45 billion debt reportedly owed to them by the Federal Government. This demand follows a renewed appeal by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who urged President Bola Tinubu to compensate the family as a crucial step toward national healing and justice.
At the May 2025 launch of his memoir, Being True to Myself, held in Abuja, Lamido recounted that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, completed significant communications contracts for the military government in the 1970s but was never fully remunerated. He revealed that the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, had acknowledged this debt before his assassination in 1976, and that Abiola himself confirmed the amount shortly before his arrest in 1994.
Lamido described the unpaid debt as a “double punishment” for Abiola—first being denied the presidency after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, and second, being denied the contract payments owed to him. He argued that settling this claim would provide moral and symbolic closure to Nigeria’s prolonged June 12 saga and demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to justice for pro-democracy figures.
“The late Abiola kept faith with this country; paying what is owed will close the chapter decently,” Lamido said, appealing to the Information Minister Mohammed Idris to convey the message to the President.
The issue has reignited public discourse on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices of Abiola, who died in detention in 1998 after his struggle to reclaim his electoral mandate. The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, also called on President Tinubu to act, emphasizing that “giving an appointment to one of his children is not enough,” and insisting the debt should be paid as a mark of honour.
Speaking for the family, Jamiu Abiola stated that they require more details before taking further steps. “The former governor did not say what the money was owed for. He didn’t give much details about it. Since then, the matter has been what it is. Before we can say more about it, we need more details,” he said.
A senior Presidency official, speaking anonymously, noted that the family could file claims if they have sufficient evidence but criticized Lamido for speaking on their behalf. The official questioned why previous administrations under Presidents Obasanjo and Buhari did not settle the debt, suggesting it is not Lamido’s place to make the demand.
Meanwhile, Hafsat Abiola, a family member, praised the Federal Government for posthumously conferring the CFR honour on her late mother, Kudirat Abiola, recognizing her dedication to defending her husband’s mandate and restoring democracy.
This development underscores ongoing efforts to reconcile with Nigeria’s democratic history and address outstanding grievances linked to the June 12 election and its aftermath.
