Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola and a pioneer in Nigerian journalism, has died at the age of 82. She passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at around 9:15 p.m. after a brief illness, according to family sources.
Dr. Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to become editor and later managing director of a national newspaper, the National Concord. She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch before moving on to the Daily Times and eventually the Concord Group, where she made significant contributions to media development in Nigeria.
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Born in 1943 in Igbajo, Osun State, she earned her first degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She later obtained a master’s degree in journalism and a Ph.D. in communications and political science from New York University.
Throughout her career, she was known for her integrity, excellence in leadership, and advocacy for women’s empowerment. During the June 12 political crisis in Nigeria, she remained a firm supporter of her husband’s democratic mandate and was seen as a symbol of courage and resilience.
Her death has prompted tributes from across the country. President Bola Tinubu described her as an “Amazon of the Nigerian media” and a defender of democratic values. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other public figures have also expressed condolences to her family.
Dr. Abiola is survived by her children and extended family. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.