Veteran Journalist, Late MKO Abiola’s Wife, Doyin Abiola, Dies At 82

Ikeja, Lagos State– Dr. Doyin Abiola, Nigeria’s first female Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper and widow of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, has passed away at the age of 82.

Family sources confirmed that she died at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5.

A pioneer and powerhouse in Nigerian journalism, Dr. Abiola’s influence stretched far beyond her marriage to the late business magnate and political icon.

She began her media journey in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where her bold and widely read column, Tiro, tackled pressing societal issues, especially those affecting women.

In 1970, she traveled to the United States for further studies, earning a master’s degree in journalism and later, a PhD in Communications and Political Science in 1979.

Upon her return, she joined the Daily Times, where she served as Group Features Editor and a member of the prestigious editorial board, working alongside the likes of Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan.

Her most groundbreaking achievement came in 1986 when she became Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord, a newspaper owned by MKO Abiola. This historic appointment made her the first woman in Nigeria to lead a national daily at such a high level. She had earlier been its pioneer daily editor, setting editorial standards that defined its voice for years.

Dr. Abiola married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981 and stood by him through turbulent political times, including the struggle following his annulled presidential victory on June 12, 1993.

Despite the political storms, she remained a pillar of strength and continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape.

Her journalism career spanned over three decades, marked by courage, intellect, and groundbreaking leadership.