As Nigeria marked the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Olalekan Abiola, son of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has described the experience of the family over the years as “27 years of trauma,” following the tragic losses of both parents and unfulfilled promises by successive governments. Speaking at the family residence in Ikeja, Lagos during the Democracy Day commemoration, Olalekan recalled the harrowing impact of the annulment and his parents’ deaths. “Losing my mother to assassination while my father was in military detention made it even more painful,” he said. “We were expecting her to visit us in the U.S. just days before she was shot.” He said despite being educated and able to fend for themselves, the family has faced setbacks due to the alleged hijacking of MKO’s businesses by his eldest son, Kola Abiola, whom he accused of failing to unite all the children of the late politician. Olalekan also lamented the Nigerian government’s failure to settle huge debts owed to his father’s companies for contracts carried out through the Ministries of Communications, Education, and Defence. According to him, Presidents Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Buhari all made unfulfilled promises to audit and repay the debts. He called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfill those obligations, noting Tinubu’s longstanding relationship with MKO and his June 12 legacy. “Now that Tinubu is president, we hope he will do the needful. It’s time to pay what is owed,” he said. On the legacy of his father, Olalekan called for full recognition, including placing MKO Abiola’s portrait in Aso Rock alongside other former Nigerian leaders. He also demanded that all presidential entitlements due to MKO be paid to the family. “Chief Shonekan and even military rulers like Babangida and Abacha have their portraits in the Villa. MKO was elected by Nigerians in the freest election ever held — he deserves that honour,” he insisted. Reflecting on MKO’s personal life, Olalekan described his father as a devout Muslim, philanthropist, and nation-builder. “He lived by the values of charity, humility, and service. Even 27 years after his death, Nigerians still remember him.” He also emphasized the lessons of the June 12 struggle for Nigeria’s democracy, highlighting the need for equity in the country’s leadership. “No region should dominate another. The next presidency should go to the South-East. It’s their turn,” he said. Olalekan concluded by urging the government to ensure MKO’s will is implemented and his legacy protected under Nigerian law.
