In a heartfelt recollection shared on his official X handle, formerly known as Twitter, Dr. Doyin Okupe has paid tribute to the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola), painting a vivid picture of the man behind the legend. Okupe's detailed account sheds light not only on Abiola's political journey but also on the rich cultural tapestry that defined his life and character.
Abiola, remembered as a wealthy businessman and a prominent figure in Nigeria's democracy, was celebrated by Okupe for his profound mental endowment and deep connection to Yoruba language, culture, and proverbs. Okupe recalls Abiola's father being a proficient Gangan (talking drum) drummer, a skill that prospered in those days, from whom Abiola inherited a treasure trove of Yoruba proverbs and adages.
Okupe recounts a memorable incident during an interview with Sky News in the UK. When posed a question by a journalist, Abiola responded with a Yoruba proverb: "If you see fire inside a well, that is the hand of man."
Abiola, Okupe notes, held a view that just as Nigerians learn English, others should endeavor to understand Nigerian culture and expressions.
The anecdote extends to another instance when Abiola, reflecting on his political associations, used the proverb: "How will I explain to people that a dog bit me on my lips?" The vivid imagery of either kissing the dog or struggling with it for its meal, which was often faeces, explains Abiola’s incisive and humor-laden communication style.
Following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, Okupe reveals an intimate moment when Abiola, in a private conversation, vowed to fight the military with the persistence of a tortoise. Abiola explained the Yoruba adage “Rabun Rabun,” likening his resolve to that of a tortoise who, despite being mocked, perseveres until he regains what he has lost.
Abiola’s analogy referred to a story of a tortoise married to a beautiful woman named Yannibo. Unable to care for her, his in-laws took her back. The determined tortoise spun on its back outside their home until the villagers, moved by its persistence, demanded the woman’s return. This tale symbolized Abiola’s relentless struggle for the actualization of his mandate, despite the ultimate outcome being left to divine wisdom.
Okupe concluded that even though Abiola did not realize his presidential ambition, he is more beloved and remembered than many who have held the office. His legacy, enriched by wisdom and cultural pride, lives on in the hearts of many Nigerians. Okupe's tribute encapsulates the enduring spirit of MKO Abiola, a man whose life and struggles continue to resonate deeply within the national consciousness.
"MKO lives on in our minds. May his great soul rest in perfect peace," Okupe stated.