Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, the trailblazing journalist and widow of the late business mogul and winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, has died at the age of 82.
She reportedly passed away in Lagos on Tuesday evening, August 5, 2025, after a period of illness. Her death was confirmed by close family sources and has since drawn tributes from across the country.
Widely regarded as Nigeria’s first female Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of a national newspaper, Dr. Abiola made history in 1986 when she was appointed to head the National Concord, a publication established by her husband. Her tenure was marked by editorial independence, journalistic rigour, and support for investigative reporting.
Before her rise to the top echelon of media management, Dr. Abiola started her journalism career at the Daily Sketch in 1969. She later moved to Daily Times, where she served on the editorial board, working with some of the country’s finest journalists. She eventually joined the Concord Press, becoming the pioneer daily editor before ascending to the top post of the media group.
Dr. Abiola held a Bachelor’s degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan, a Master’s degree in Journalism, and a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University, earned in 1979. Her academic and professional achievements helped shape Nigeria’s media landscape and inspired generations of women in journalism.
Beyond the newsroom, she served in several professional and advisory capacities, including as Chairperson of the Nomination Panel of the Nigerian Media Merit Awards and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). She was also an advocate for press freedom and media development.
Reacting to the news of her death, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described her as “an amazon of the pen profession” who broke barriers in the media industry and left a legacy of courage, excellence, and leadership. Tributes have also been pouring in from media veterans, politicians, academics, and civil society leaders.
Dr. Doyin Abiola’s death marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigerian journalism. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.