MKO Abiola’s Widow, Doyin Abiola Dies at 82

Dr. Doyin Abiola, a trailblazing figure in Nigerian journalism and the widow of the late politician and businessman MKO Abiola, has passed away at the age of 82.

Her death was confirmed by Jamiu Abiola, one of her stepsons, in a phone call with PUNCH Online on Wednesday. “Yes, she passed away last night,” he stated.

Doyin Abiola made history as the first Nigerian woman to hold the position of Editor-in-Chief at a national newspaper.

She led the National Concord as both Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, shaping the paper’s editorial direction and helping it grow into a major voice in Nigerian media.

Born in 1943, she studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969. She began her journalism career at Daily Sketch, where her popular column Tiro focused on social and gender issues.

In 1970, Doyin Abiola traveled to the United States for further studies.

She earned her PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979, a rare achievement at the time especially for a Nigerian woman in media.

Upon her return, she joined Daily Times as a features writer and quickly rose to become Group Features Editor.

When offered the role of “Woman Editor,” she declined, believing her capabilities extended beyond a gender-specific title.

Her decision paid off as she later joined the editorial board, working alongside notable journalists like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.

Doyin Abiola became the first daily editor of National Concord and was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986.

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Under her leadership, the media house grew significantly, at one point managing up to 14 newspapers and magazines.

Her journey was not without challenges. During the military regime of General Sani Abacha, National Concord was attacked by soldiers and shut down for 18 months. Still, she stood her ground, maintaining her commitment to truth and press freedom.

Beyond the newsroom, Doyin Abiola served the journalism profession in various roles.

She chaired the first Nigerian Media Merit Award Nominating Panel and was on the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.

She became an Eisenhower Fellow in 1986 and also chaired the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.

Her achievements were recognized with the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, making her only the second woman ever to receive the honour.

Doyin Abiola was also known for standing by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola, especially during the political crisis that followed the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. Her support for democracy and her husband’s legacy remained unwavering.

The Abiola family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.

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