How Amala Saved Tinubu from Abacha’s Killers in Cotonou

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the current president of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), recounted a life-threatening incident he faced during the time of General Sani Abacha’s regime in an interview with TheNEWS.

Following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola, Abacha unleashed a wave of violence against democracy advocates.

Tinubu revealed that Abacha’s killers were sent to the Republic of Benin, and he narrowly escaped their clutches due to his love for a Nigerian food called amala.

During his time in hiding, Tinubu did not possess a passport, which made it impossible for him to flee the country.

However, Abacha’s spies had information about his whereabouts, including his presence in Benin Republic.

On two occasions, Tinubu was almost apprehended by the killers. In one instance, they traced him to a run-down hotel.

However, he managed to evade them by chance.

On the day of the incident, Tinubu had gone out on an Okada (motorcycle) to a market dominated by Yoruba people to buy amala, a traditional Nigerian dish.

As he returned to the hotel, he noticed two individuals wearing skull caps making inquiries at the front desk.

The receptionist, who had a cordial relationship with Tinubu, discreetly signaled him to turn back.

Tinubu quickly contacted a sympathetic architect friend in Benin Republic who offered assistance.

Notably, other prominent figures such as Professor Wole Soyinka and Alani Akinrinade also narrowly escaped capture by Abacha’s men.