66 ‘Abiola Children’ Failed DNA Test — Olalekan Abiola Opens Up On Family, June 12 Legacy And Unfulfilled Promises

As Nigeria marked the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Olalekan Abiola, son of the late winner, Chief MKO Abiola, has revealed that 66 people who claimed to be children of the deceased failed DNA tests conducted as part of executing his father’s will.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sunday Vanguard at the Abiola family residence in Ikeja, Lagos, Olalekan reflected on the family’s experience since the tragic loss of their parents, unfulfilled promises by successive Nigerian governments, and what he believes is the best way to immortalize his father.

“About 120 people came forward claiming to be children of my father, but only 54 passed the DNA test. That means 66 failed,” he stated.

According to him, many of the women who claimed to be Abiola’s partners were those who sought help from the late philanthropist and adopted his name and identity for themselves and their children.

“He never went around looking for women. Many of them came to him seeking help — shelter, school fees, food. They would line up every month here at this house. He helped them and then they began to call themselves ‘Mrs. Abiola’. That’s why he insisted on DNA tests in his will,” he said.

Olalekan also recounted the emotional pain of losing both parents in the aftermath of the June 12 political crisis. He described the murder of his mother, Kudirat Abiola, as particularly traumatic.

“One minute my mom was at home, in good health, and the next minute she had been shot. That was more traumatic than the fate my father suffered,” he said. “She was never arrested or detained, so we were hoping she would survive the struggle. Losing her like that was devastating.”

He lamented the absence of unity among Abiola’s children and accused his elder brother, Kola Abiola, of failing to step into a leadership role for the entire family.

“Kola should be the leader of all the children, but he acts only as leader of his mother’s children,” he said. “He has not shown leadership in uniting all of us.”

Olalekan accused successive Nigerian administrations of failing to honour financial obligations owed to MKO Abiola’s businesses by various ministries, including Communications, Education, and Defence.

“Obasanjo promised to pay. Jonathan said he would after winning a second term, but that never happened. Buhari gave us June 12 as Democracy Day, but never paid the debts. President Tinubu hasn’t said anything about it yet,” he said.

He emphasized that the family is not seeking charity but wants debts owed and entitlements due to the late president paid in full.

“His allowances and benefits as President-elect should be paid. Even his picture should be in Aso Rock with other leaders. If coup leaders like Babangida and Abacha are honoured there, why not MKO who was freely elected?”

He described his father as deeply religious and charitable, a devout Muslim who avoided drinking and gambling.

“My father was not a party freak. He held on tightly to Islam. He raised us to pray five times daily and taught us the importance of charity — Sadaka,” he noted.

Olalekan expressed satisfaction that the democracy his parents died fighting for has now lasted 26 unbroken years, the longest in Nigeria’s history.

“There is more equity in the system now. No tribe is dominating. I believe the next presidency should go to the South-East — they’ve never had it,” he said.

He concluded by calling for full implementation of MKO Abiola’s will and the continuation of his legacy through national recognition and legal fulfilment.

“What my father stood for must be upheld. Let his legacy be implemented according to Nigerian law. That’s the least the government can do.”