Abdulmumuni Abiola, a brother to Kola Abiola and son of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late MKO Abiola, has criticised the poor handling of his father’s legacies.
He expressed his disappointment in the podcast MIC ON with Seun Okinbaloye, released Saturday night.
He also blamed Kola, Abiola’s eldest son, who he said was in a position to hoist his father’s legacy but failed to do so.
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This is as he alleged that Kola, who could have carried on with his father’s struggle, was in a relationship with former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida’s daughter while his father was in prison.
Babangida’s regime annulled the 1993 presidential election, which was adjudged to be the most free and fair election in the country.
Abiola’s insistence, among other struggles, led to his incarceration in 1994 until his death in 1998.
Abdulmumuni also emphasised that the efforts and sacrifices of his father have not been adequately preserved or honoured.
Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari honoured Abiola with the highest national honours during his tenure.
Abdulmumuni called for a more concerted effort to recognise MKO Abiola’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, urging both the family and the nation to take more significant steps in preserving his legacy.
When asked if he was in a good relationship with his brother, Kola, he answered negatively and laid out more of his grievances.
He declared that he wasn’t in the country upon his father’s death and that he told Kola when he arrived to lay claim to MKO’s investment abroad, but those within Nigeria are for all.
He said, “Well, I don’t think we really are. The last time I saw him, he said, and I quote, “Do I want to do fire for fire?”
“I asked him, ‘taba se fire for fire se ama jeun?’ (Would we eat if it’s done that way?) when the whole of Nigeria is on fire. So if the idea is that I’m already on fire, let’s do it.
“As long as there are proceeds that will come out, I will be able to take care of my family and people who need help in general.
“So yes, we’re not on good terms, and it’s sad for me to say that. You know I don’t want to have an issue with my older brother. He’s my older brother. I love him, you know, and I hope he loves me, but I have no ill-will.”
Abdulmumuni stated that maintaining his father’s legacy was not a one-man business.
“I’m just saying that this is our collective responsibility, and if you’re not doing your part, then you should just step aside. It’s very simple,” he added.
Meanwhile, Okinbaloye also asked if he blames Kola for the manner in which things have gone and if he thinks that the legacy of the late MKO Abiola would have been properly sustained better than it is presently.
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Abdulmumuni insisted Kola could have been a strong voice and that Nigerians and himself are unhappy with the way the struggle went post-MKO’s demise.
He responded, “I definitely do because he was in a pivotal position, especially after the whole crisis. He (Kola) could have he could have been a voice.
“He could have been a strong voice of true democratic values. He could have.
“He chose not to—apparently, at the time my father was still in jail—he was having a relationship with Babangida’s daughter. I don’t want to go down there. You know—it’s just sad, you know.
“I’m actually a little bit displeased that my brother didn’t get to come out and see what the people’s response to his first turnout will be (to test his acceptability and popularity and ride on Abiola’s legacies).
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