Tinubu’s Minister, Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, Gbenga Daniel, Other Top Politicians Storm Abiola Wife’s Burial
The funeral of Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, the pioneering journalist and widow of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, drew a galaxy of political heavyweights and dignitaries to Lagos on Friday, September 12, 2025. The solemn service, held at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, was followed by her interment at a private cemetery in Lekki. President Bola Tinubu was represented by his Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Lagos Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Babatunde Fashola’s wife Abimbola, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, and several other prominent figures attended to pay their last respects. The event, which concluded a week of tributes starting on September 10, underscored Dr. Abiola’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a defender of democracy, and a resilient matriarch who stood by her husband’s side during Nigeria’s turbulent political history.
Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, who passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, was celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to media and her unwavering support for the late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. Her burial not only honored her personal achievements but also evoked memories of her husband’s struggle for democracy, drawing a cross-section of Nigeria’s elite to reflect on her life and impact. The attendance of high-profile politicians highlighted the respect she commanded across party lines and generations.
The Funeral Service: A Gathering of Dignitaries
The funeral service at the iconic Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos, was a poignant affair filled with eulogies, hymns, and reflections on Dr. Abiola’s life. The church, one of Nigeria’s oldest Anglican cathedrals, was packed with mourners, including family members, colleagues from the media world, and political leaders. The service began with a requiem mass, where tributes poured in from various speakers, emphasizing her role as the first female Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper, her tenure as Managing Director of Concord Newspapers, and her advocacy for women’s rights and democratic values.
President Bola Tinubu’s absence was bridged by his representative, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, who delivered a message of condolence on behalf of the president. Edun highlighted Dr. Abiola’s contributions to national development and her resilience during the trying times following the annulment of the 1993 election. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga was also present, representing the administration’s solidarity.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a key figure in the Southwest political landscape, attended alongside his predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode. Sanwo-Olu, who has often invoked the spirit of democratic icons like MKO Abiola in his governance, used the occasion to reaffirm the state’s commitment to honoring such legacies. Ambode, whose tenure as governor from 2015 to 2019 was marked by infrastructure developments, joined in paying homage, symbolizing continuity in Lagos politics.
Former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a veteran politician known for his engineering background and contributions to infrastructure, was among the attendees, representing the Southwest’s political establishment. His presence added to the regional flavor of the event, as Ogun State shares historical ties with Lagos in the democratic struggle of the 1990s. Also in attendance was former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Nike Akande, a prominent businesswoman and PDP chieftain, underscoring the bipartisan nature of the gathering.
Other notable figures included Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay Newspapers; Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, the Obanikoro of Lagos; Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann; Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti; former presidential aide Femi Adesina; Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola; Dele Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell magazine; Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Daily Times; and Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. The presence of media executives and journalists paid tribute to Dr. Abiola’s illustrious career in the fourth estate.
The service was emotional, with family members, including Dr. Abiola’s children and grandchildren, sharing personal anecdotes about her strength and grace. Hymns like “Amazing Grace” and “It Is Well With My Soul” filled the air, creating a somber yet celebratory atmosphere. Following the church service, the cortege proceeded to the private cemetery in Lekki for interment, where a smaller group of close family and friends witnessed the final rites.
Dr. Doyinsola Abiola: A Trailblazer in Journalism and Democracy
Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, née Ogunwusi, was born on March 14, 1943, in Lagos. She broke barriers as the first female Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper when she took the helm at Concord Newspapers in 1986, under the ownership of her late husband, MKO Abiola. Her career spanned decades, marked by fearless reporting and advocacy for press freedom during Nigeria’s military regimes. As Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Group, she championed investigative journalism and women’s roles in media, earning her the title of “pioneering journalist.”
Married to MKO Abiola in 1980, Doyinsola stood by him through the highs of his business success and the lows of the 1993 election annulment, which thrust him into the spotlight as a symbol of democratic resistance. During his imprisonment and eventual death in 1998, she became a vocal advocate for justice and human rights, continuing his legacy through philanthropy and public service. She was also a matriarch to the Abiola family, raising children who have pursued careers in business, media, and activism.
Her death on August 5, 2025, after a brief illness, prompted an outpouring of tributes. A week of events began on September 10 with a night of tributes at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where speakers like First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka eulogized her courage and contributions. Soyinka described her as a “quiet force” in the pro-democracy movement, while Sanwo-Olu recalled her notes of encouragement during his political journey.
Significance of the Political Attendance
The storming of the burial by top politicians like Wale Edun (representing Tinubu), Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, and Gbenga Daniel symbolizes a rare show of unity across political divides. Tinubu and MKO Abiola were once rivals in the Southwest political arena, but the event highlighted reconciliation and respect for shared democratic history. Edun’s presence underscored the federal government’s acknowledgment of Dr. Abiola’s role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
Sanwo-Olu and Ambode’s attendance, despite past tensions between their administrations, signals a mending of fences in Lagos politics. Gbenga Daniel, a key figure in Ogun State’s development, represented the broader Yoruba political establishment, emphasizing regional solidarity. The inclusion of figures like Nike Akande and Femi Adesina bridged party lines, with PDP and APC members present, reflecting Dr. Abiola’s non-partisan influence.
This gathering also served as a subtle political statement ahead of future elections, reminding attendees of the Abiola legacy in the struggle for good governance and press freedom. The event’s high profile could inspire renewed calls for honoring democratic icons through national monuments or scholarships in her name.
Tributes and Legacy
Throughout the week, tributes poured in from across Nigeria and the diaspora. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised Dr. Abiola’s courage and leadership, stating on behalf of her family and Nigerian women that she celebrated her “enduring leadership.” Governor Sanwo-Olu described her as a woman who navigated politics, family, and national sacrifice with dignity, recalling her supportive notes during his career.
Abimbola Fashola noted that “greatness does not die—it transforms,” affirming Dr. Abiola’s lasting impact. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, and Wole Soyinka also paid homage, with Soyinka calling her a “quiet force” in democracy.
Dr. Abiola’s legacy lives on through her children, including media personalities and activists, and her contributions to journalism. Organizations like the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) have mourned her as a pioneer. Her burial marks the end of an era, but her influence on Nigerian media and politics endures.
Conclusion: A Fitting Farewell to a Democratic Icon
The burial of Dr. Doyinsola Abiola was a testament to her profound impact on Nigeria, drawing Tinubu’s Minister Wale Edun, Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, Gbenga Daniel, and other top politicians to honor her memory. From the solemn service at Marina to the quiet interment in Lekki, the event celebrated a life of resilience, journalism excellence, and democratic advocacy. As Nigeria reflects on her contributions, her legacy as MKO Abiola’s steadfast partner and a trailblazing woman continues to inspire. May her soul rest in peace.