Dr. Doyinsola “Doyin” Abiola, more than just the wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was a woman who built her own legacy; a legacy of breaking barriers and shaping the Nigerian media landscape.
She passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, leaving behind a career that inspired countless journalists, especially women.
Born Doyinsola Hamidat Aboaba, she was a woman of vision from the start. After earning a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969, she stepped into journalism with the Daily Sketch, captivating readers with her fearless “Tiro” column.
Her ambition took her to the United States, where she earned a Master’s degree in Journalism and a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979 , a rare achievement for a Nigerian woman at the time.
In 1980, she joined National Concord as its pioneer daily editor. Just six years later, she made history as the first Nigerian woman to become Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national daily newspaper.
Her leadership style blended intellectual rigor with fearless reporting, setting new standards in the industry. Her marriage to MKO Abiola in 1981 brought her into the national political spotlight, especially during the turbulence of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
While she stood firmly beside her husband, she never allowed politics to overshadow her identity as a journalist, mentor, and defender of press freedom.Colleagues remember her not only as a trailblazer, but as a leader who opened doors for women in newsrooms dominated by men.
She trained, encouraged, and challenged young reporters to be bold, accurate, and uncompromising in their pursuit of the truth.
Dr. Doyin Abiola’s story is that of a woman who defined her life by her own terms combining intellect, courage, and resilience to leave a mark on Nigerian journalism that will never fade.
