Pioneering journalist, Doyinsola Abiola, cum widow of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, has been laid to rest in Lekki, Lagos, following a solemn funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.
Naijaonpoint reports that the service on Friday drew a distinguished audience, including President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Lagos governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nike Akande.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Managing Director of ThisDay, Eniola Bello, Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos, Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, former presidential aide, Femi Adesina, Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola, Dele Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell magazine, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Daily Times, and Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
Doyinsola’s burial concluded a week of tributes that began on Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where family, colleagues, and associates celebrated her groundbreaking contributions to journalism and her service to Nigeria.
The funeral service, officiated by Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, Ven. Henry Adelegan, featured scriptural readings by family and close associates.
In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson, reflected on Abiola’s legacy under the theme of restoration and hope.
Johnson also lauded Doyinsola as a record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings, noting her trailblazing achievements as Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism, first female editor of a national daily, and the first woman to lead a national newspaper as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord.
He said, “She stood resolutely with her husband during Nigeria’s democratic struggle, using Concord Newspapers as a powerful voice in the battle for freedom. Her legacy lives on through the generations she inspired and mentored.”
Following the service, Doyinsola’s body was conveyed to her final resting place in Lekki, where she was laid to rest amid prayers, hymns, and heartfelt tributes.
Doyinsola Abiola, who died on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a defender of democracy, and a matriarch whose quiet strength and enduring influence left an indelible mark on the nation.
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