The family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola has requested detailed clarification regarding a reported N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the business magnate by the Federal Government.
This follows recent remarks by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who urged President Bola Tinubu to compensate the Abiola family as a step toward national reconciliation and justice.
Speaking during the May 2025 launch of his memoir Being True to Myself in Abuja, Lamido reignited a decades-old controversy, alleging that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, executed large communications contracts for the Nigerian military government in the 1970s but was never fully compensated.
According to Lamido, former Head of State General Murtala Muhammed had acknowledged the debt before his assassination in 1976.
Lamido also claimed that Abiola himself confirmed the amount during a private meeting in 1994, shortly before his arrest.
Describing the issue as “double punishment,” Lamido argued that in addition to being denied his presidential mandate following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, Abiola was also denied the financial compensation owed to his firm.
He maintained that paying the debt would serve as both symbolic justice and a moral gesture by the Tinubu administration.
“Abiola kept faith with this country. Paying what is owed will close the chapter decently,” Lamido said, addressing an audience that included Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, who he asked to convey the message to the President.
Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, echoed the appeal, stressing that settling the alleged debt would be an act of honour.
“It’s not just about compensation; it’s about respecting a man who gave everything for Nigeria’s democracy. Giving one of his children a government appointment is not enough,” Adams said in an interview with Saturday PUNCH.
However, members of the Abiola family say more information is needed.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jamiu Abiola said they were unaware of the specifics of the claim and would require proper documentation before taking any action.
“The former governor did not specify what the money was owed for. Without detailed information, there’s nothing we can act on,” he said.
A senior official at the Presidency, speaking anonymously, noted that the Abiola family is welcome to file a formal claim if they possess evidence of the debt.
The official, however, questioned Lamido’s involvement in the matter.
“Sule Lamido is not in a position to speak for the Abiola family. If there’s a valid claim, let the family file it. MKO’s children are alive and can represent themselves,” the official said.
“Why didn’t former Presidents Obasanjo or Buhari address this claim if it were valid?”
Meanwhile, Hafsat Abiola, one of MKO’s daughters, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the posthumous award of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) to her late mother, Kudirat Abiola.
“No words can capture how grateful I am for this honour. My mother was driven by love and duty to fight for democracy.
She would have been overwhelmed with joy to be so recognised,” Hafsat said.
The renewed focus on the alleged debt adds another layer to ongoing national discussions around MKO Abiola’s legacy and Nigeria’s democratic history.