Ndi Igbo: Oso Abiola, 27 years on.

Oso Abiola, was the mass exodus of South Easterners especially Ndi Igbo from different parts of the country to their Igbo states of origin. A full blown civil disobedience was in full swing dragging economic activities to a halt for two weeks. This was because of the June 12, 1993 Nigeria's Presidential election that was adjudged to peaceful, free and fair and the result was not made public. The then military leader, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB)...canceled the election using all kinds of subterfuge. The nation, especially, southern Nigeria rose up in massive protest against IBB and his henchmen.

Late. Dr. Beko-Ransome Kuti, Barr. Femi Falana, Mr. Kokori championed the protest in Lagos demanding for the releasing of the election results that was obvious Chief. MKO Abiola of the SDP won with a wide margin.

The protests heightened the tension in the country. Many Nigerians panicked, afraid that another civil war was imminent causing many Ndi Igbo to run for their lives, Oso Abiola (Abiola race). Some people say it was a paranoiac move. May be such notion was correct today, but for those who experienced, heard or read the stories of May 1966 anti-Igbo progrom in the North. It was the most sensitive thing to do seeing the political tension in the land, and the warmongering south western media.
The journey back home was treacherous, anguish and even death.

Cowbell sachet Milk was coincidentally introduced in 1993 during the election period at a cheaper rate of N5. It relegated the costly Peak milk.

Hence the name Milk Abiola.

Source:  Igbo History and Facts.