In a striking development, the family of the late MKO Abiola has distanced themselves from the fervent support expressed by one of his widows, Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, for the Yoruba Nation agitators. Onitiri-Abiola’s proclamation of the “Democratic Republic of Yoruba” has ignited controversy and raised questions about the family’s stance on Nigerian unity.
Onitiri-Abiola’s bold declaration of the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yoruba, conveyed in a widely circulated video on social media, has resonated with certain segments of the population. Her impassioned speech, delivered in the Yoruba dialect, has sparked debates and speculation about the future trajectory of Yoruba land.
However, the Abiola family swiftly moved to distance themselves from Onitiri-Abiola’s proclamation. Jamiu Abiola, one of MKO’s children and the current Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, unequivocally stated that Onitiri-Abiola was acting independently and her views did not reflect those of the family.
Jamiu emphasized the paramount importance of maintaining Nigeria’s unity, invoking his father’s steadfast belief in national cohesion. He underscored MKO Abiola’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian unity, even amid adversity, and asserted that promoting division would run counter to his father’s enduring legacy.
Expressing skepticism about Onitiri-Abiola’s motives, Jamiu revealed that he had never met her and was unaware of her intentions. He urged Nigerians not to take her declaration seriously and reiterated the family’s unwavering stance in favor of national unity.
Reflecting on MKO Abiola’s principles, Jamiu highlighted his father’s dedication to inclusivity and care for others. He clarified that MKO had multiple official wives, in addition to other women considered as his wives, as part of his efforts to support and provide for as many people as possible.
The timing of Onitiri-Abiola’s proclamation coincided with recent unrest in Oyo State, where Yoruba Nation agitators stormed the Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan. This incident heightened tensions and thrust the issue of secession into the forefront of public discourse, sparking a renewed debate about the future direction of the Yoruba people.
According to information, the Nigerian police have intensified their search for the whereabouts of Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola. The widow of the late MKO Abiola has been declared wanted by the Federal Government of Nigeria since she, along with others, invaded the Oyo Secretariat in Ibadan to proclaim the Democratic Republic of Yoruba.
The disavowal of Onitiri-Abiola’s declaration by MKO Abiola’s family underscores the complexity of Nigeria’s political landscape and the divergent views within the Yoruba community. While calls for secession may resonate with some, the Abiola family’s emphasis on unity serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of national cohesion in building a prosperous and inclusive future for all Nigerians.
