Olalekan Abiola, one of the sons of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola), has disclosed that 66 out of 120 people who came forward claiming to be children of the late business mogul and politician failed DNA tests conducted after his death.
In a recent interview, Olalekan explained that after MKO Abiola’s passing on July 7, 1998, many women brought children forward, claiming they were fathered by Abiola. According to him, his father was extremely charitable, often helping women in need by providing them with shelter, food, and financial support. This generosity, he said, led some women to change their children’s surnames to “Abiola” in hopes of securing a share of his estate.
Olalekan revealed that MKO Abiola’s will specified that any child claiming to be his must undergo a DNA test to confirm paternity. Out of the 120 claims, only 54 children were confirmed as his biological offspring, while 66 failed the DNA tests.
He also reflected on the lessons he learned from his father, emphasizing Abiola’s strong adherence to Islam and his charitable nature. Olalekan noted that his father never drank alcohol, partied, or gambled, and that the only criticism people could make was his association with many women—most of whom, Olalekan said, sought his help and support rather than the other way around.
Olalekan concluded by highlighting the importance of faith and charity, values he said were central to his father’s life and legacy.
