Who was M.K.O. Abiola? Moshood Abiola Bio: Wife, Children, Age, Net Worth, Cause of Death, Parents, Cars

Biography

Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as M.K.O. Abiola, was a revered Nigerian businessman, publisher, and politician who was born on August 24, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Renowned for his sharp business acumen, he led ITT Corporation in Nigeria and built a vast business empire, establishing himself as one of Africa’s wealthiest men.

Abiola is best remembered for the historic 1993 Nigerian presidential election, in which he was the presumed winner. The election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, triggering nationwide political turmoil.

His stance on democracy and refusal to accept the annulment made him a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. In 1994, he declared himself the rightful president, leading to his arrest and imprisonment by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Abiola died in custody on July 7, 1998, under circumstances that remain highly controversial.

Despite his tragic end, Abiola’s legacy is a beacon of resilience and the fight for democratic rights in Nigeria. He has been posthumously honored with numerous awards, recognizing his contributions to the nation’s political history and democratic progress.

Nigerian business magnate and publisher
M.K.O. Abiola
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola
Stage Name:	M.K.O. Abiola
Born:	24 August 1937 (age 60 years old)
Place of Birth:	Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Died, Assassinated:	7 July 1998, Abuja
State Of Origin:	Ogun State
Nationality:	Nigerian
Education:	African Central School – Abeokuta, Baptist Boys’ High School, University of Glasgow, Obafemi Awolowo University
Height:	N/A
Parents:	Alhaji Salawu Adelekan Akanni Abiola, Zeliat Wuraola Ayinke Abiola
Siblings:	51
Spouse:	Kudirat Abiola (m. 1973–1996), Simbiat Atinuke Shoaga (m. 1960-1996), Adebisi Olawunmi Oshin (m. ?-1998), Doyinsola “Doyin” Abiola Aboaba (m. ?-1998)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Kola Abiola, Abdul Mumuni Abiola, Hafsat Abiola, Jamiu Biodun Abiola, Khafila Abiola, Moriam Abiola, Dupsy Abiola, Olalekan Yusau Abiola, Hadi Abiola, Hafsat Abiola, Hofsad Abiola, Olawunmi Abiola, Lola Abiola-Edewor, Deji Abiola
Occupation:	Businessman • Publisher • Politician
Net Worth:	$5 billion (USD)

Early Life & Education

Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely known as M.K.O. Abiola, was born on August 24, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

He grew up in a large family, being the 23rd of his father’s 52 children. His father, Alhaji Salawu Adelekan Akanni Abiola, was a produce trader, while his mother, Alhaja Zeliat Wuraola Ayinke Abiola, played a vital role in his upbringing. Of Yoruba ethnicity and a devout Muslim, Abiola‘s early years were shaped by modest beginnings.

He began his education at the African Central School in Abeokuta before moving on to the prestigious Baptist Boys’ High School, known for its academic excellence. After completing secondary school, he briefly worked as a clerk in the Western Region’s civil service.

His academic pursuits then took him abroad, where he won a scholarship to study at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, earning a degree in Accountancy.

M.K.O. Abiola furthered his studies at the Institute of Administration at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), completing a postgraduate diploma in Accountancy.

Career

M.K.O. Abiola‘s career spanned business, philanthropy, and politics, establishing him as one of Nigeria’s most influential figures. After completing his education, he returned to Nigeria and briefly worked in the Western Region’s civil service before transitioning to the private sector.

He joined the American multinational ITT Corporation in Nigeria, where he became Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. Abiola later expanded his business empire, founding the Abiola Group, which encompassed banking, media, oil, transportation, and manufacturing ventures. His business success made him one of Africa’s wealthiest men, with significant investments both within and beyond Nigeria.

Beyond business, Abiola was a dedicated philanthropist. He funded educational scholarships, built hospitals, and supported various social welfare initiatives. His contributions extended to sports, particularly in football, where he sponsored athletes and teams, including the Nigerian national team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Politically, Abiola was a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle against military rule. He prominently advocated for a return to civilian governance and ran for president in the 1993 election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

His campaign, symbolized by Hope ’93, promoted national unity and economic prosperity. Widely believed to have won the election, his victory was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, triggering nationwide unrest. In 1994, Abiola declared himself the rightful president, leading to his arrest by General Sani Abacha’s regime.

He remained in detention for years, emerging as a symbol of Nigeria’s fight for democracy. His mysterious death in custody in 1998 further underscored the brutality of the military regime and cemented his legacy as a martyr for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Personal Life

M.K.O. Abiola was born on August 24, 1937, and passed away on July 7, 1998, at the age of 60. Known for his polygamous lifestyle, which was culturally accepted in his context, Abiola married multiple women throughout his life.

His wives included Simbiat Atinuke Shoaga (whom he married in 1960, who passed away before his presidential campaign), Kudirat Olayinka Adeyemi-Abiola (whom he married in 1973 and who was tragically assassinated in 1996), Adebisi Olawunmi Oshin, and Doyinsola “Doyin” Abiola Aboaba. Additionally, Abiola had several “unofficial” wives and concubines, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact number of his wives due to the informal nature of some of his relationships.

He fathered over 40 children from his marriages and relationships, with some of his notable children including Kola Abiola, Deji Abiola, Lola Abiola, and Hafsat Abiola. It is known that he had relationships with several women, some formalized through marriage and others more informal.

Cause of Death

M.K.O. Abiola died on July 7, 1998, while in custody at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria. The official cause of his death was reported as a heart attack.

However, the circumstances surrounding his death have been widely debated and scrutinized. Abiola was detained for declaring himself the legitimate president following the annulled 1993 election, and his health had deteriorated during his imprisonment.

Many believe that the stress of his incarceration, lack of proper medical care, and possible foul play by the military regime under General Sani Abacha might have contributed to his demise. His death remains a controversial topic, with some still questioning the official narrative of natural causes.

Net Worth

M.K.O. Abiola was one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals during his lifetime, with an estimated net worth of $5 billion at its peak. He built his fortune through a diverse business empire, the Abiola Group, which spanned various industries including banking, media, oil, transportation, and manufacturing.

Abiola also held significant investments outside Nigeria. His sharp business acumen, combined with strategic partnerships and international ties—particularly through his role with ITT Corporation—helped him amass substantial wealth.

However, the exact value of his fortune remains uncertain, as much of his wealth was private and fluctuated with Nigeria’s economic conditions during and after his lifetime. His net worth was notably impacted by his political involvement, particularly following the annulment of the 1993 election and his subsequent detention by the military regime.