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The family of the late Chief Moshood Abiola has requested clarification on the alleged N45 billion debt owed to them by the Federal Government.
This request came after former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, urged President Bola Tinubu to compensate the family as a gesture of national healing and justice.
Lamido revived a discussion about the money supposedly owed to Abiola, insisting the government should pay approximately N45 billion to the businessman’s heirs.
At the May 2025 launch of his memoir, 'Being True to Myself,' in Abuja, Lamido recounted that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, had fulfilled significant communications contracts for the military government in the 1970s but had not received full payment.
He noted that former head of state, Murtala Muhammed, had acknowledged the debt before his assassination in 1976, and Abiola had privately confirmed the amount during a visit from Lamido shortly before his arrest in 1994.
Lamido described the unpaid debt as “double punishment,” referring to Abiola's annulled presidency following his June 12, 1993 electoral victory and the funds he was owed.
He contended that resolving this issue would provide moral and symbolic closure to the ongoing June 12 narrative and showcase President Tinubu’s commitment to justice for pro-democracy advocates.
“Abiola remained loyal to this country; repaying the debt would allow for a dignified closure,” Lamido stated before an audience that included Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, whom he requested to communicate the appeal to the President.
This revelation has rekindled public discussion about Nigeria’s democratic path and the sacrifices made by Abiola, who died in custody in 1998 following his fight to regain his electoral mandate.
Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, also called on President Tinubu to address the issue. He stated, “That money should be paid to Abiola’s family.
This is not merely about compensation, it is about honoring a man who sacrificed everything for democracy. Appointing one of his children is insufficient.”
Adams also emphasized the need for greater recognition of Abiola’s legacy.
Jamiu Abiola, speaking on behalf of the family said they require more information about the debt before taking further action.
He explained, “The former governor didn’t specify what the money was owed for. There have been few details provided. Until we receive more information, discussing the payment cannot proceed since it lacks substantiation.”
A senior official in the Presidency, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the family could file claims if they had adequate evidence.
However, he remarked that Lamido had “no right” to speak on behalf of the family. “The children of MKO Abiola are very much alive.
The first son is still living. If there is any debt owed by the government, they should file a claim.
It is not for Sule Lamido to make this statement. “Obasanjo served as president for eight years. Why didn’t he address this? President Buhari was in office for eight years as well, why didn’t he pay? Therefore, I genuinely believe this is not Sule Lamido’s place to comment.”
Meanwhile, Hafsat Abiola, a family member, praised the Federal Government for awarding the posthumous CFR to her mother, the late Kudirat Abiola.
She expressed, “Words fail to convey my deep gratitude for President Tinubu’s posthumous honor of the CFR to my mother, Kudirat Abiola.
She was driven by love and a sense of duty to uphold her husband’s mandate and collaborated with many throughout the country to restore democracy.
I am certain she would have been incredibly joyful to receive such recognition.”
