Kola Abiola Biography
Kola Abiola Biography – Born on July 1, 1962, Kola Abiola is a 61-year-old Nigerian businessman and politician, known for being the son of MKO Abiola. In the 2023 general election, he is a presidential candidate for the PRP Party, following in his father’s footsteps. Kola’s net worth is estimated to be around $5.5 million.
Apart from his political endeavors, Kola Abiola has made a name for himself in the business world. He has been involved with several ventures, including Radio Communications Nigeria, Abiola Farms, African Concord, Concord Press, Concorde Airlines, and Wonderloaf Bakery.
Age And Early Life
Kola Abiola was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on July 1, 1962, and as of 2023, he is 61 years old. He was raised in Ogun State and received his education in various parts of Nigeria and abroad, although he largely kept out of the media spotlight during his upbringing.
Education
Kola began his education at Lagos University Staff School, where he was a classmate of prominent businessman Femi Otedola. He attended Baptist High School and later Ibadan Grammar School in Ibadan. Due to health concerns, he briefly studied at Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School in Lagos before continuing his secondary education at Aiyetoro. Kola holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Berkeley and an MBA in business administration from Colorado State University.
Career
Kola Abiola announced his candidacy for the 2023 presidential election under the banner of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Although not much is widely known about Kola Abiola’s professional background, he comes from the influential Abiola family. His father, MKO Abiola, was a notable figure in the 1993 presidential race.
MKO Abiola co-owned ITT and also owned several businesses including Radio Communications Nigeria (RCN), Wonderloaf Bakery, Concord Press, Abiola Farms, Concorde Airlines, and African Concord.
Wife
Kola Abiola was married to Olayinka Abiola, who tragically passed away on the evening of Saturday, October 16, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. She was in her mid-40s and the daughter of the late Chief (Mrs.) Bose Onilere, a prominent businesswoman. Olayinka was Kola’s second wife; his first wife was Victoria Arafat.
Parents
Kola’s father, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, born in 1937, was a Nigerian merchant, publisher, accountant, and politician. He had vast business interests, including Concord Newspaper and Abiola Farms, which were later inherited by his children.
MKO Abiola is especially remembered for his pivotal role on June 12, 1993, which is celebrated as the start of Nigerian democracy. He was the SDP’s presidential candidate, opposing Bashir Tofa of the NRC. The election was considered Nigeria’s most democratic to date. However, military leader Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, citing alleged irregularities.
On June 11, 1994, MKO Abiola declared himself Nigeria’s president and was subsequently arrested. He died on July 7, 1998, shortly before he was to be released from prison.
This significant event is embedded in Nigerian history. By 2000, June 12 was recognized as Abiola Day in Lagos and other Western States. In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari officially declared June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Kola’s mother, Alhaja Simbiat Atinuke Abiola, was MKO’s first wife. She was a businesswoman and a politician who sought a Senate seat in Ogun State. Alhaja Simbiat was also known for her steadfast support of her husband’s career.
Net Worth
Abiola’s net worth is approximately $5.5 million. He has accumulated wealth through diverse ventures, primarily within the Concord Group, and other business activities he pursued following his father’s passing.
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