Pioneering journalist and wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, has been laid to rest in Lagos.
The funeral service, held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Finance Wale Edun.
The burial marked the end of a week-long celebration of her life, which began with a night of tributes at Harbour Point, Victoria Island. In his sermon, Bishop Pelu Johnson described Abiola as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” praising her many firsts in Nigerian journalism and her role in the fight for democracy.
In his sermon, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson, described her as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” recalling her many firsts: becoming Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism in 1979, first female editor of a national daily in 1980, and later the first woman to head a national newspaper as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord.
“She stood firmly with her husband during the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy, using Concord Newspapers to win the battle of hearts and minds,” Bishop Johnson said, adding that her courage, mentorship, and quiet strength would continue to inspire generations.
He also used the occasion to call on government to tackle insecurity, unemployment, and corruption, warning that additional taxation on fuel could worsen economic hardship. “If food prices must come down, then tax cannot come in to increase the cost of transportation,” he cautioned.
The service, officiated by Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, Ven. Henry Adelegan, featured Bible readings by family and associates, including Psalm 91 read by Midun Tobun and the Epistle (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18) taken by Suru Aboaba.
Among those present were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; former Lagos governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Babatunde Fashola (represented by Mrs. Abimbola Fashola); former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga; former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Chief Nike Akande; former Presidential Aide Femi Adesina; THISDAY MD Eniola Bello; Tell magazine co-founder Dele Babarinsa; Daily Times MD Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; and NIJ Provost Gbenga Adefaye.
After the service, her body was taken to Lekki, where she was laid to rest amid tears, prayers, and heartfelt tributes.
Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, who passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a steadfast advocate for democracy, and a matriarch whose resilience and devotion left an indelible mark on the nation.
