The family of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola has called on the Federal Government to provide detailed clarification regarding the reported N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late business mogul and democracy icon.
The renewed demand follows a public appeal by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who urged President Bola Tinubu to settle the longstanding debt as a gesture of national reconciliation and justice. Lamido made the appeal during the May 2025 launch of his memoir, Being True to Myself, held in Abuja.
Addressing an audience that included Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Lamido claimed that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT), executed significant telecommunications contracts for the Nigerian military government in the 1970s but was never fully compensated. “Abiola kept faith with this country; paying what is owed will close the chapter decently,” he said, urging Idris to convey the message to the President.
The development has reignited discussions around Abiola’s legacy and the unresolved issues stemming from Nigeria’s democratic struggles. Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, died in detention in 1998 while attempting to reclaim his mandate.
Commenting on the issue, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, called on President Tinubu to honour Abiola’s contributions by addressing the financial claim. “That money should be paid to Abiola’s family. It is not just about compensation; it is about honouring a man who gave everything for this democracy. Giving an appointment to one of his children is not enough,” Adams said.
Lamido further revealed that the alleged debt was acknowledged by former Head of State General Murtala Muhammed before his assassination in 1976. He also claimed Abiola personally confirmed the figure during a private conversation shortly before his arrest in 1994.
Framing the unpaid sum as “double punishment,” Lamido argued that Abiola was first denied his electoral victory and then denied the payment he was due for completed work. He maintained that settling the claim would serve as both a moral and symbolic act of closure for the June 12 saga and demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to justice for Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes.
