When we talk about Nigerian politics, it’s impossible to leave out some names, including M.K.O Abiola. Let me share a story that my father, who worked closely with the Abiola family in the late 80’s and early 90’s, told me about M.K.O Abiola.
The lesson here is simple: resilience, love, and vision are the cornerstones of true success. Abiola’s life proves that no matter where you start, how wretched your background is, with the right mindset, a little luck, and the support of those who believe in you, anything is possible.
When people hear the name Abiola now, they think of June 12 and Nigeria’s struggle for democracy. What many don’t know is the extraordinary love story and the immense struggles that shaped the man behind the legacy.
M.K.O Abiola, born into a polygamous family of over 23 children in Abeokuta, Ogun State, came from very humble beginnings. His father, Salawu Abiola, was a cocoa trader, while his mother, Suliat Wuraola, traded in kola nuts. Despite their best efforts, their family was still drowning in poverty.
Abiola attended African Central School, Abeokuta for his primary education. His father wasn’t interested in educating him as he thought he would never be able to afford Abiola’s education. His family was living in abject poverty. He started cutting and selling firewood gathered in the forest at dawn to support himself in school.
Abiola was determined to rise above his circumstances. Life was hard, but M.K.O. refused to be crushed by it. At just 15, he formed a musical band that performed at local ceremonies, in exchange for food and small amounts of money, which he used to help his family and pay for his secondary education at the Baptist Boys High School in Abeokuta.
It was during his secondary school days that Abiola met Simbi Ajoke—a girl from a wealthy background who later became his first wife. Simbi unlike Abiola was from a rich background, and it was at her residence that Abiola tasted an omelette (fried egg) for the first time in his life.
Their love story was nothing short of remarkable. Whilst they were dating, whenever Simbi’s birthday was approaching, Abiola ever the strategic thinker, would get upset with Simbi right before her birthday, pretending to be angry just so he could avoid the embarrassment of not being able to buy her a gift. But Simbi wasn’t deterred. Despite his poverty, she admired his intelligence, drive, and character, and her love for him only grew stronger.
Their love endured, and as time went on, Abiola’s fortunes began to change. In 1960, he earned a government scholarship to study at the University of Glasgow, where he became a qualified chartered accountant. This marked the beginning of his rise to wealth and influence. But even as his life took off and he climbed the sociopolitical ladder, the struggles and sacrifices he made in his early years stayed with him.
His legacy may be defined by politics today, but the truth is, his journey to success was paved by love, sacrifice, and a determination to overcome unimaginable odds.
