On the anniversary of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola has called on the Federal Government to publicly clarify the status of a lingering ₦45 billion contract debt allegedly owed to the family.
The demand was made during a press briefing held at the Abiola family residence in Lagos, where key relatives of the late business mogul and presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election expressed frustration over what they described as “years of silence and bureaucratic avoidance.”
According to the spokesperson of the family, Jamiu Abiola, the amount in question stems from contracts awarded to **Concord Group of Companies**—owned by MKO Abiola—by previous administrations, some dating as far back as the late 1980s and early 1990s. Despite multiple follow-ups, the family claims there has been no official explanation or payment plan issued by relevant ministries or agencies.
“We are not begging for handouts. We are asking for transparency and justice,” Jamiu Abiola stated. “These debts are contractual obligations. It is unfair that successive governments celebrate MKO on June 12, yet fail to honor the business side of his legacy.”
A Legacy Still in Limbo
MKO Abiola, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election—widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest—was detained by the military regime of General Sani Abacha and died in custody in 1998. In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honored him with the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and declared June 12 as Democracy Day.
While the recognition was widely welcomed, the Abiola family insists that symbolic gestures must be backed by practical actions.
“Our father gave everything for this country,” said Mrs. Tundun Abiola, one of MKO’s daughters. “It is time the government acts with the same integrity they now praise him for.”
Government Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by the Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), or other federal agencies potentially linked to the contracts in dispute.
Civil society organizations have also weighed in, urging the government to disclose any findings or audits regarding past debts owed to individuals or corporations that played vital roles in the nation’s history.
Legal analysts say the family could pursue redress through the courts but warn that litigation involving historical government contracts can be complex and lengthy.
