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Moshood Abiola was a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and politician. He was a man of many accomplishments, from being the founder of Abiola’s Bookshops, to becoming the first Nigerian to be elected as the President of the African Development Bank Group.
But it was his involvement in the June 12 election that made him a legend.
In 1993, Abiola contested for the presidency and won the popular vote, but the election was annulled by the military government.
This led to widespread protests and demonstrations, with Abiola at the forefront of the struggle for democracy.
Despite his numerous achievements, his life was cut short when he died in detention on July 7, 1998.
In this biography, we will take a closer look at Moshood Abiola’s life, from his early beginnings to his rise to fame, his political career, his businesses, and his legacy.
We will delve into his family life, including his wives, children, and siblings, as well as his net worth and the houses he owned. Join us as we explore the fascinating life of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated icons.
Abiola’s Family and Siblings
Moshood Abiola came from a large family. He had several siblings, including his younger brother, Mubashiru Abiola, who was a renowned lawyer and politician.
Mubashiru served as a senator in the Nigerian Senate and was also the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State.
Abiola was married to several wives. His first wife was Simibiat Atinuke Shoaga, whom he married in 1960.
They had seven children together.
Abiola married his second wife, Adebisi Olawunmi Olayinka in 1981, and they had four children.
His third wife, Doyin Abiola, was the daughter of his mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Abiola married Doyin in 1987, and they had two children.
MKO was a devoted family man and was known for his generosity and kindness.
He was a doting father and husband and was loved by his family and friends.
Businesses and Net Worth
Abiola was a successful businessman and had interests in various businesses.
His most notable business was Abiola’s Bookshops, which became the largest chain of bookstores in Nigeria.
Abiola also had interests in printing, publishing, and farming.
He was the founder of Radio Communications Nigeria, Concord Press of Nigeria, and the Concord Group of Newspapers.
Abiola’s net worth was estimated to be around $2.8 billion at the time of his death.
He was one of the wealthiest men in Nigeria and Africa, and his businesses had a significant impact on the Nigerian economy.
Political Career and the June 12 Crisis
Abiola’s political career began in 1979 when he contested for a seat in the Nigerian Senate.
He won the election but was later appointed as the Chairman of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
Abiola later joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was appointed as the Chairman of the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC).
MKO’s involvement in politics reached its peak in 1993 when he contested for the presidency.
He ran under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and won the popular vote.
However, the election was annulled by the military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
This led to widespread protests and demonstrations, with Abiola at the forefront of the struggle for democracy.
Abiola was arrested and detained by the military government for his role in the protests.
He was later charged with treason and declared himself the lawful president of Nigeria while in detention.
Abiola remained in detention until his death on July 7, 1998.
Wives and Children
Abiola was married to several wives and had thirteen children.
His first wife was Simibiat Atinuke Shoaga, whom he married in 1960. They had seven children together.
Abiola’s second wife, Adebisi Olawunmi Olayinka, was a former beauty queen whom he married in 1981. They had four children.
Abiola’s third wife, Doyin Abiola, was the daughter of his mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Abiola married Doyin in 1987, and they had two children.
MKO was a devoted father and husband and had a close relationship with his children.
His children followed in their father’s footsteps and became successful in their respective fields.
Houses and Properties
Abiola was a wealthy man and owned several houses and properties.
He had a luxurious mansion in Ikeja, Lagos State, which was said to be worth several millions of dollars.
Abiola also had properties in Abuja, London, and the United States.
MKO was known for his luxurious lifestyle and love for expensive cars and jewelry.
He owned a fleet of cars, including Rolls Royces, Mercedes Benzes, and Bentleys.
Death and Legacy of Moshood Abiola
Moshood Abiola died on July 7, 1998, while still in detention.
His death was a shock to the Nigerian people, and it led to widespread protests and demonstrations.
Abiola was a symbol of democracy and freedom, and his death was a tragedy for Nigeria and Africa.
MKO’s legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a hero and a champion of democracy.
He was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.
The award is Nigeria’s highest honor and is usually reserved for presidents and heads of state.
Conclusion
Moshood Abiola was a man of many accomplishments, from being a successful businessman to becoming a political icon. His involvement in the June 12 crisis made him a legend and a symbol of democracy and freedom.
Despite his numerous achievements, his life was cut short when he died in detention on July 7, 1998. Abiola’s legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated icons.
