Olalekan Abiola, one of the sons of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, Nigeria’s acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, has revealed that 66 out of 120 children who came forward claiming to be Abiola’s offspring failed DNA tests conducted to verify their paternity.
In an interview with Vanguard, Olalekan explained that his father was known for his generosity, often supporting many women including single mothers by paying their rent, providing food, and offering shelter. This benevolence led some women to change their children’s surnames to Abiola after his death in an attempt to claim inheritance from the late politician’s estate.
Olalekan emphasized that MKO Abiola had anticipated such claims and stipulated in his will that all individuals asserting descent must undergo DNA testing. “About 120 children came forward to say they were MKO’s children but only 54 of them passed the DNA test at the end of the day,” he stated.
He further described his father’s character, highlighting his devout Islamic faith and charitable nature. According to Olalekan, MKO Abiola abstained from alcohol, gambling, and excessive partying. While he had many women in his life, most approached him willingly, often seeking help because their husbands had abandoned them. These women regularly received allowances from Abiola and sometimes were provided with housing, leading some to adopt the Abiola name without formal ties.
The revelations shed light on the complexities surrounding MKO Abiola’s legacy and family, illustrating the challenges of verifying lineage in the wake of his passing on July 7, 1998. Abiola remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic history, celebrated for his struggle and ultimate sacrifice for the country’s democracy.