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Dr. Doyin Abiola, veteran journalist and widow of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, has passed away at the age of 82.
Dr. Abiola died on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9:15 p.m.A trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, Dr. Abiola was the first woman to serve as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper in Nigeria, a position she held with distinction.
Her journalism career began in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where she penned a widely-read column, Tiro, known for boldly addressing social justice issues, including early advocacy for women’s rights. In 1970, she left for the United States to pursue a master’s degree in journalism, returning shortly after to join the Daily Times as a Features Writer. She later rose to become Group Features Editor and earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York in 1979.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she served on the Daily Times editorial board, working alongside influential figures such as Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan. Her leadership journey reached a historic milestone when she was appointed the pioneer editor of the National Concord, a publication owned by MKO Abiola. She eventually became the paper’s Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986–making her the first Nigerian woman to hold such a role.
Dr. Abiola’s tenure at the National Concord spanned over three decades, during which she cemented her legacy as a leading force in Nigerian media.
She married MKO Abiola in 1981 and remained a steadfast figure throughout the turbulent political period that followed his widely disputed electoral victory and eventual death in custody.
Dr. Doyin Abiola leaves behind an enduring legacy of courage, intellect, and commitment to the principles of journalism and democracy.
