The Federal Government has directed the family of late business mogul and democracy icon Moshood Abiola to formally file a claim if they seek compensation for an alleged ₦45 billion debt, following recent public demands for payment.
The directive comes after former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido publicly called on President Bola Tinubu to settle what he described as outstanding payments owed to the Abiola family as part of national reconciliation efforts.
Lamido had raised the issue during the launch of his memoir, ‘Being True to Myself’, in Abuja in May 2025, claiming that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, completed significant communications contracts for Nigeria’s military government in the 1970s but was never fully compensated.
However, a senior Presidency official, speaking anonymously to reporters, questioned Lamido’s authority to speak on behalf of the Abiola family and challenged the legitimacy of the debt claims.
“The children of MKO Abiola are still very much alive. The first son is alive. So, if there is any money the government is owing Abiola, let them file a claim. It is not for Sule Lamido to be saying this,” the official stated.
The Presidency source further questioned why previous administrations had not addressed the alleged debt if it was legitimate. “Obasanjo was president for eight years. Why didn’t he pay it? President Buhari was there for eight years, why didn’t he pay? So, I don’t think it is Sule Lamido’s business at all,” the official added.
The government’s position emphasizes that any claims must be supported by adequate evidence and submitted through proper legal channels rather than through public advocacy by third parties.
Meanwhile, the Abiola family has expressed appreciation for recent government recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle. Hafsat Abiola, daughter of the late MKO Abiola, praised President Tinubu’s decision to posthumously confer the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honor on her mother, Kudirat Abiola.
“There are no words to adequately express the depth of gratitude I feel at President Tinubu’s posthumous conferment of the merit of CFR on my mum, Kudirat Abiola,” Hafsat said on Friday. “She was guided both by love and a sense of duty to defend her husband’s mandate, and to work with many across the country for the restoration of democracy. Yet, I have no doubt that she would have been overwhelmed with joy to be so honoured.”
The late Kudirat Abiola was assassinated in 1996 while advocating for her husband’s release and the restoration of his mandate following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which MKO Abiola had won.
The current controversy highlights ongoing discussions about historical injustices and the government’s responsibility to address past grievances as part of national healing processes. The Presidency’s response suggests that while the government is open to legitimate claims, they must be pursued through established legal procedures rather than public campaigns.
