MKO Abiola’s Family Demands ₦45bn Debt Payment – Gani Adams Fires Back: ‘Appointments Are Not Enough

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the demand by the family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola regarding a ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed by the Federal Government.

This demand follows an appeal made by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who urged Tinubu to compensate the Abiola family as a step towards national reconciliation and justice.

Lamido recently reignited a long-standing controversy, claiming that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, executed major telecommunications projects for Nigeria’s military regime in the 1970s but was never fully paid. Speaking at the launch of his memoir Being True to Myself in Abuja (May 2025), Lamido said late Head of State Murtala Mohammed had acknowledged the debt before his 1976 assassination. He also noted that Abiola himself confirmed the debt shortly before his 1994 arrest.

Lamido argued that failing to pay the debt amounts to “double punishment” for Abiola—first, by being denied his presidential mandate in 1993, and second, by withholding funds legitimately earned by his company. He said that resolving the debt would symbolically close the chapter on the June 12 struggle and show Tinubu’s genuine support for democratic heroes.

In an interview with The Punch, Gani Adams said appointing one of Abiola’s sons into the current administration is not enough. He stressed the need for full recognition of Abiola’s contributions, saying, “That money should be paid to Abiola’s family. This isn’t just compensation; it’s about giving proper honour to a man who sacrificed everything for Nigeria’s democracy.”

Speaking for the family, Jamiu Abiola said they currently lack sufficient details on the claim. He stated, “The former governor didn’t clarify what the money was owed for. Without more information, the issue can’t be pursued. Until then, the matter of payment remains unsubstantiated.”