The Icon : Mko Abiola and History
Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) was a Nigerian Yoruba businessman, politician and a publisher. Mko Abiola ran for the presidency in 1993, for which the election results were annulled by the preceding military Then president Ibrahim Babagida because of allegations that they were corrupt and unfair.
Introduction:
Chief MKO name Kashimawo means "Let us wait and see". MKO was his father's 23rd child but the 1st surviving Child. So the name "Kashimawo was given to him until he was 15 years of age before he was properly named Moshood by his parents.
The great Icon Chief Mko Abiola was born on the 24th of August 1937 at Abeokuta Ogun state.
He died on the 7th of July 1998(aged 60) at Abuja.
He was a very industrious, hard-working and determined individual. At the age of nine he started his first business selling firewood gathered in the forest at dawn before school, to support his Father and siblings. He also founded a band at the age of fifteen (15) and would perform at various ceremonies in exchange for food.
He was able to acquire money to support his family and use it for his Secondary education at the "Baptist Boys High school Abeokuta". He was the editor of the school magazine "The Trumpeter" while Olusegun Obasanjo was his deputy editor.
At the age of 19 he joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroon's ostensibly because of its stronger pan-Nigerian origin compared to Obafemi Awolowo's led Action Group.
Chief MKO's Career :
In 1956, Moshood Abiola started his professional life as a bank-clerk with Barclays Bank in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria. After Two (2)years he joined the western religion finance corporation as an executive accounts officer, before leaving for Glasgow Scotland to pursue his higher education. From Glasgow university he received a first class degree in accountancy.
He also gained a distinction from the institute of chartered Accountants of Scotland, on his return to Nigeria, chief MKO Abiola worked as a senior accountant at the university of Lagos Teaching Hospital.
Personal Life of Mko Abiola:
Moshood Abiola married many wives, notable among them are Simbiat Atinuke Shoaga in 1960, Kudirat Olayinka Adeyemi in 1973, Adebisi Olawunmi Oshin in 1974, Doyinsola Abiola Aboaba in 1981, modupe onitiri-abiola and Reminder Abiola. He also fathered many children.
In his remembrance:
Chief MKO Abiola's memory is celebrated in Nigeria and internationally June 12. As it remains a public holiday in Nigeria begining from June 12, 2019 . It will be celebrated as democracy day replacing may 29.
So MKO Abiola stadium and Moshood Abiola polytechnic were named in his remembrance and Honour. A statue was also erected.
Death of MKO:
He was arrested for declaring himself president of Nigeria by General Abacha.
His (MKO)'s chief security officer has alleged that Moshood Abiola was beaten to death. His name was Al-mustapha was detained by the government but later released claims to have a video and audio tapes showing how Abiola was beaten to death.
It remains unconfirmed as autopsy reports his death is a natural death.
Some facts to know about June 12:
The date is celebrated in honour of an anulled presidential election in June 12 1993.
Moshood Abiola was detained for four years largely in solitary confinement with a Bible, Qur'an and fourteen guards as companions.
Nigerian pastor T.B Joshua is said to have predicted that the annulment to Abiola and warned him against contesting for the presidency .
MKO Abiola died for the June 12 mandate but he was not the only June 12 casualty as General Abacha also died a mysterious circumstances on June 8 1998.
The election was declared Nigerian's freest and fairest presidential election by national and international observers with Abiola winning in his Northern Opponent's homestate.
Abiola died on the 7th of July when he was about to be released..
Thats the story/history of one of Nigeria's great Icon and philanthropist..... .
June 12 is that day to remember Chief Mko Abiola as well as other Democracy Martyrs.
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