In a condolence message to the family of late Mubashiru Abiola, who died a week ago, Babangida said the relationship between both families was still robust.
He said: “On behalf of my family, let me use this medium to convey my heartfelt condolence to the family of late Mubashiru Abiola, which sad event took place a week ago.
“As a member of the Abiola family, I had a very robust and close relationship with him; a relationship that spanned over three decades.
“Even though his death came to me as a shock, I am consoled by the fact that he lived a very honest and straight-forward life not given to sentiments. He was very down-to-earth, unassuming, and a devout Muslim, whose sense of purpose was not in doubt.
“Despite the annulment of June 12 general elections presumed to have been won by his elder brother and irrespective of the backlash, our relationship still blossomed; largely because he understood the circumstances that necessitated our action.
“He was a very brutally frank family man who abhorred malice. I feel a sense of personal loss at the news of his death.
“But since death is the last testament of man, one can only wish the Almighty Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus and console the family he left behind. May the Almighty Allah, give them the fortitude to bear with this painful loss.”