In a startling revelation, Olalekan Abiola, one of the sons of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, has disclosed that 66 out of 120 individuals who came forward claiming to be his father’s children failed paternity DNA tests. These claims, according to Olalekan, emerged primarily after MKO Abiola’s death on July 7, 1998.

Speaking at the Abiola family residence in Ikeja, Lagos, during events marking the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Olalekan explained that his father had explicitly stipulated in his will that all individuals claiming to be his offspring would be required to undergo DNA testing to verify their paternity.

He suggested that many of these claimants were women who had previously benefited from his father’s renowned generosity. MKO Abiola was widely known for his philanthropy, often providing shelter, financial assistance, and support for school fees to numerous women, including single mothers. Olalekan believes that some of these women subtly changed their children’s surnames to Abiola after his father’s demise in an attempt to secure a share of his vast estate.

“About 120 children came forward to say they were MKO’s children, but only 54 of them passed the DNA test at the end of the day,” Olalekan stated, highlighting the significant number of failed tests. This means 66 claimants were determined not to be biological children of the late business mogul.

The issue of MKO Abiola’s extensive family and inheritance has been a complex matter since his death. While the patriarch was known to have numerous wives and children, the DNA testing was a crucial step mandated by his will to clearly define the legitimate heirs entitled to his estate.

Another son, Abdulmumuni Abiola, had previously shared similar figures in 2024, stating that out of 103 children for whom MKO Abiola was paying school fees during his lifetime, only 55 were confirmed as his biological offspring after DNA tests. These consistent accounts from different family members underscore the internal challenges faced by the Abiola family in managing the legacy and estate of their illustrious patriarch.