President Tinubu, Atiku, and NPAN Mourn the Passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, Esteemed Media Icon and Wife of Late Chief MKO Abiola

President Tinubu, Atiku, and NPAN Mourn the Passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, Esteemed Media Icon and Wife of Late Chief MKO Abiola

President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun have led tributes following the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers, who died on Tuesday night.

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, through its President, Kabiru Yusuf, also paid glowing tribute to her, describing her as “a quintessential journalist and media guru.”

Her death, at the age of 82, was confirmed on Wednesday by Jamiu Abiola, one of the sons of the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom she was married to. Chief Abiola was the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“Yes, she passed away last night,” he said in the telephone interview.

Doyin is renowned as the first woman to become Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper (Concord titles).

Tinubu, in his condolence message on Wednesday, expressed sadness over the passing of “a trailblazing journalist, Editor, Managing Director, an amazon and icon in journalism.”

The President highlighted Doyin’s prominent role in MKO’s election, and subsequent annulment, as well as mobilising and providing direction for the media under her control.

Tinubu said, “As MKO’s wife, Doyin became acquainted with politics and took a keen interest in it, particularly when her husband ran for the country’s presidency in 1993.

“And when the June 12 election, won by her husband, was annulled, she did not stand aside. Despite the military junta shutting down the Concord Group, she also joined the fray, demanding the validation of the election. She was a soldier of democracy in her own right.

“Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her championing of women’s empowerment, and her commitment to democracy.

“I commiserate with the Abiola and Aboaba families, her only daughter, Doyinsola, and the government and people of Lagos and Ogun states. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree.”

Tinubu further noted that Doyin’s contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women to come.

He said she embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, commitment to excellence and dedication to public good and democratic good governance.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, via his X handle, saluted Doyin’s widespread activism, fight for human rights and democracy.

Atiku said, “I share my condolences with the family of the Late MKO Abiola on the passing of Dr Doyin Abiola. Dr Abiola was a fiery journalist and a fighter for human rights and democracy.

Her illustrious career in journalism and the forceful impression of her brilliance would be a memory that will continue to shape the course of widespread activism in Nigeria and Africa. I pray that the Almighty accepts her soul and comforts the grief of her family and associates.”

In the same vein, Abiodun noted Doyin Abiola’s support for her late husband, especially during the June 12, 1993, saga.

The governor also noted the deceased’s excellence as a journalist, spanning working with the Daily Sketch, Daily Times and the Concord.

Abiodun said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Doyin Abiola, a remarkable woman whose contributions to society and unwavering support for her late husband during the tumultuous period surrounding the June 12, 1993, presidential election in Nigeria will forever be remembered.

“Her dedication to justice, democracy, and the betterment of her country exemplifies the strength and resilience of her character. She displayed excellent spirit in the fight for the validation of the annulled June 12 election as the person in charge of the Concord Group of Newspapers, owned by her then-embattled husband.

“She played a significant role in advocating for the democratic ideals that many Nigerians still strive to uphold today. Her commitment to these principles, particularly during a time of great political unrest, demonstrated her courage and unwavering belief in the power of democracy.”

He stressed that Doyin showed resilience and was sacrificial to stand by her husband amid times marked by challenges.

“As we reflect on Dr. Abiola’s life, it is essential to acknowledge the sacrifices she made alongside her husband during a period marked by challenges and adversity. Her strength in the face of political turmoil exemplifies the spirit of resilience as she stood steadfastly by her husband, providing support and encouragement during trying times, and her unwavering dedication to his vision for a better Nigeria will never be forgotten.

“In addition to her political involvement, Dr Abiola will also be remembered for her contribution to the journalism profession,” Abiodun added.

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in a condolence message, described the death of Dr Doyin Abiola as a profound loss to the journalism profession, Ogun State and the nation at large.

“Dr Doyin Abiola was a trailblazer and a consummate media professional who devoted her life to the advancement of journalism in Nigeria.

“At a time when it was a rare privilege, particularly for women, to attain academic heights, she earned a doctoratein Communications and Politics, underscoring her brilliant mind.

“Following this remarkable achievement, Dr Doyin Abiola served briefly on the editorial board of the Daily Times before joining the Concord Newspaper, where she made history as the first female Editor-in-Chief of a national daily in Nigeria.

“Her trailblazing achievements broke barriers and created opportunities for generations of women in the media industry,” he said.

Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun also paid tribute to Dr. Doyin Abiola’s unwavering support during the political struggles of her late husband, especially following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He described her as a brave and resilient woman who stood firmly by her husband in difficult times.

Extending his condolences to her children, grandchildren, and the entire Abiola family, Amosun prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants her Aljannah Firdaus and gives her loved ones the strength to bear the profound loss.