Posted by By Dapo Akinrefon on
THE late philanthropist cum politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Okikiola Abiola during his life time was known to be very generous and was also well known, both home and abroad, especially in all facets of human existence.
THE late philanthropist cum politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Okikiola Abiola during his life time was known to be very generous and was also well known, both home and abroad, especially in all facets of human existence. But one thing that stands him out is the fact that he is known to have married more women during his lifetime.
This, perhaps, caused (and has continued to cause) stir in his home soon after his demise, with women springing up claiming to be wife of the late politician.
With the 2007 presidential elections just around the corner and also with former military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida declaring his interest in the nation's number one seat, the Abiola family have since awaken vowing to stop IBB (as he's fondly called) in his bid to become president of Nigeria, again in a civilian setting.
But one person, who claims to be one of the wives of late M.K.O Abiola, who is Dr. Bisi Abiola has risen in IBB's defense pledging to work for the gap-toothed ex-military officer from Niger State.
Nonetheless, one individual emerging from the Abiola family, Mr. Mariam Adebisi Abiola claims she is the bonafide Bisi Abiola just as she claimed that one (Dr. Bisi Abiola) was not legally married to M.K.O.
According to her, 'my attention has been drawn to several publications in the newspapers and magazines, both nationally and internationally, to one Dr. Bisi Abiola, who is presently campaigning for the presidential ambition of General Ibrahim Babangida.''
‘‘Initially, I decided not to comment on this subject as I believe every Nigerian is entitled to his or her choice of political group, but recent events and constant telephone calls and harassments on my person and my household from different quarters within and outside Nigeria prompted me to clear the air", she added.
Explaining further, Mariam Adebisi Abiola claims that 'there is a mix-up in identity between me, Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Mariam Adebisi Abiola (nee Oshin), a business woman and Dr. Bisi Abiola (nee Adebiyi), the publisher of a health magazine."
She, however, maintained that the said Dr. Bisi Abiola was never married to late Chief M.K.O Abiola urging that those using her identity to pursue any political ambition and vouching for any politician should desist from such.
'For the avoidance of doubt, I hail from Ogere, Remo in Ogun State and married the late Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola in 1974 while the other Bisi is partly from Abeokuta and partly from Ibadan. From my findings, she met my husband in 1992, two years after which he went into detention. They were never married and she has one child of fourteen years. As a law-abiding citizen of this great country, I would never attempt to jeopardize the right of any individual to pursue his or her political ambitions, but using my identity in that attempt will not be tolerated", she stated.
In addition, she said 'I hereby appeal to the public and members of the press to please note the above and make corrections accordingly."
It has now become a story of two woment claiming to be wives of late Chief Abiola with the duo bearing the same name. Only time would tell who really is the bonafide and legal wife of the late politician.