The family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola has formally demanded a detailed explanation from the Federal Government of Nigeria regarding a reported N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the family.
The request comes amid recent reports that the Federal Government may have outstanding financial obligations to the Abiola family, leading to public speculation and inquiries into the nature and origin of the alleged debt.
In a statement issued this week, the family expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the reported figure. They urged the government to provide a full breakdown of the amount, including a clear explanation of how it was calculated and under what terms it was incurred.
Chief MKO Abiola, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, died in detention on July 7, 1998. He had been arrested by the military regime of General Sani Abacha after declaring himself the rightful president, following the annulment of what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
Since his death, Abiola has been officially recognized by the Nigerian state as a symbol of democracy and a national hero. In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously conferred on him the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national honour usually reserved for presidents. Buhari also declared June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day in recognition of Abiola’s role in the democratic struggle.
The current issue regarding the reported N45 billion debt appears to have originated from claims made in media and political circles suggesting that the Federal Government might owe compensation or settlements to Abiola’s family, possibly related to business dealings, wrongful detention, or other forms of restitution.
However, members of the Abiola family, while acknowledging that some discussions may have occurred in the past, stated that they are unaware of any definitive or documented agreement reflecting such a substantial amount. They have therefore called on the relevant authorities to clarify whether any official communication, legal ruling, or government policy exists to support the claim of indebtedness.
One family member, speaking anonymously, said that while the family appreciates national recognition of Chief Abiola’s contributions to democracy, any financial discussions involving his estate must be handled with transparency and full disclosure.
The lack of clarity has also prompted reactions from civil society groups and commentators, some of whom argue that if such a debt exists, the public deserves to know its basis. Others, however, caution that such matters should be thoroughly verified and not politicized, particularly given Abiola’s status as a unifying national figure.
As of now, the Federal Government has not issued an official statement responding to the family’s demand for details. There has been no confirmation from the Ministry of Finance or the Office of the Accountant General regarding any existing financial obligation to the Abiola family.
This development comes amid wider conversations about compensation for victims of political injustices and state actions during Nigeria’s military era. Several individuals and families affected by state repression during that period have called for justice, recognition, and in some cases, compensation.
Chief MKO Abiola remains a revered figure in Nigeria’s political history, and his legacy continues to influence the country’s democratic discourse. The family’s current demand underscores ongoing questions about how Nigeria reckons with its past and addresses unresolved grievances involving its most prominent historical figures.
Until the Federal Government issues an official clarification, the status of the alleged N45 billion debt remains uncertain. The Abiola family has reiterated that they are not accusing the government of wrongdoing but are simply seeking transparency and factual information to address public confusion and to understand whether any such obligation exists and how it was determined.
