The late Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Simbiat Atinuke Abiola was more than just the wife of the acclaimed business mogul and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola—she was a pillar of strength, a shrewd businesswoman, and a compassionate philanthropist whose influence was deeply felt in her husband’s success story and beyond.
Born in 1938 into the wealthy and respected Soaga family of Gbagura, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Simbiat was the daughter of Rafiu Isola Soaga and Rabiatu Soaga. Her privileged background set her apart early in life, but she would go on to make a choice that defied societal expectations and shaped Nigeria’s history in remarkable ways.
A Love Story Against All Odds
Simbiat met a young MKO Abiola in 1954 at an Arabic Quranic school. Both were still in secondary school, and what started as a youthful friendship quickly blossomed into love.
However, their union wasn’t without resistance. MKO Abiola hailed from a humble and struggling background, a stark contrast to Simbiat’s affluent upbringing. Her family vehemently opposed the relationship, deeming Abiola “unworthy” of their daughter.
But Simbiat stood her ground. She boldly declared that she had made her choice—and no one, not even her influential family, would change it. That defiance and loyalty set the tone for her marriage and her unwavering support for her husband in the years that followed.
Balancing Love and Jealousy
Like every woman deeply in love, Simbiat had her fiery streak of jealousy. She reportedly struggled when MKO Abiola made moves to marry another young woman, Miss Kudirat Olayinka Adeyemi (later Alhaja Kudirat Abiola).
Despite these challenges, she managed to coexist peacefully with Abiola’s other wives. She shared a home with them at Moshood Abiola Crescent, off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos, where she was widely described as warm, accommodating, and non-confrontational, never seeking to dominate or bully anyone.
The Businesswoman Behind Abiola’s Empire
Simbiat Abiola was not just a wife—she was a key architect in building Abiola’s vast business empire.
She served as the Vice President of the Concord Group of Newspapers, overseeing operations and ensuring the publications thrived. Her involvement extended beyond the media industry. She played a critical role in establishing Wonder Bakery, a groundbreaking company in Nigeria’s baking industry.
Launched in 1980 in Lagos, Wonder Bakery was one of a kind. By 1981, it employed over 140 people and marketed bread under the famous Mother’s Pride brand, using the same recipe as Wonder Bread in the U.S. and U.K. The factory was a massive investment at the time, costing ₦2.5 million (a huge sum in that era), as noted by Tom G. Forrest in The Advance of African Capital: The Growth of Nigerian Private Enterprise.
Her leadership and foresight helped transform MKO Abiola’s ambitions into tangible enterprises that employed thousands and impacted Nigerian industries.
A Life of Generosity and Compassion
Even in her private life, Simbiat Abiola was known for her kindness and generosity.
This trait shone through most profoundly in her final days. On November 10, 1992, she passed away in a London hospital after a tough battle with cancer. But even on her deathbed, her heart remained with those in need.
While watching TV from her hospital bed, she saw the devastation caused by an earthquake in Cairo, Egypt. Moved by the tragedy, she pledged $100,000 towards rebuilding a school for children affected by the disaster—while still in excruciating pain from her illness.
Her Enduring Legacy
Alhaja Simbiat Abiola’s life story is one of love, resilience, sacrifice, and impact. She defied societal norms to marry the man she loved, stood by him through business struggles and triumphs, and played an active role in shaping one of Nigeria’s most successful business empires.
Her generosity, even in her final moments, cements her place as not just a woman behind a great man, but a great woman in her own right.
Today, her legacy lives on—in the businesses she helped build, the lives she touched through her philanthropy, and the story of loyalty and courage she left behind.
Final Thoughts
Alhaja Simbiat Abiola was more than a supportive wife to MKO Abiola—she was his partner, advisor, and backbone. Her story is an inspiring reminder that behind every powerful legacy lies someone who believed, worked, and sacrificed just as much.
