In a compelling new interview, Jamiu Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Linguistics and Foreign Matters and son of late politician MKO Abiola, has spoken out about the resilience that saved Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Tinubu’s mother, from execution under the brutal regime of General Sani Abacha.
Why Alhaja Mogaji Survived the Purge
Jamiu told Punch that while thousands were targeted during Abacha’s reign, Mogaji remained safe due to her visibility and community standing. As an iconic leader of Lagos markets, she was far too prominent to be easily targeted. “She and a very few others were lone rangers. But people like the president’s mother were hard to find,” Abiola explained.
He also emphasized that Tinubu’s mother didn’t stay silent – she publicly confronted those in power. She memorably removed her headscarf when enacting protest gestures before then-Head of State Babangida, urging him to reverse the annulment of the 1993 election.
Tinubu’s Role in the Democracy Movement
Jamiu Abiola reinforced his father’s praise of President Tinubu, stating that Tinubu was not a quiet observer but a visible frontliner in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle. He recalled Tinubu condemning the annulment on the Senate floor in August 1993 and organizing mass anti-annulment protests, despite facing arrests and threats .
He added that Tinubu’s Lagos home was bombed by regime loyalists, yet he remained committed, eventually fleeing into exile and funding activism from abroad .
Legacy of Defiance
Speaking on the broader legacy, Jamiu Abiola highlighted Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to democracy — citing his leadership against a possible third-term agenda and the institutional reforms he championed as Lagos State governor .
He stated, “Nigerians should not be deceived; they are lucky to have an activist as President for the first time since independence” .
