Buhari, Tinubu, Abiodun, Eulogise Awo’s Eldest Daughter

Tributes have been pouring in over the death of former Premier of the Western Region, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s eldest daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a condolence message to the Awolowo family described the exit of Mrs Oyediran as sad.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari sends condolences to the family of late Premier of the Western Region and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, over the passing of Mrs Tola Oyediran, eldest daughter of the sage.

President Buhari commiserated with friends and associates of Mrs Oyediran, particularly her only surviving sister, Mrs Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu over the sad loss, urging the family to take solace in the investments of the deceased in making life better for others.

The president prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and comfort all her loved ones.

In his own tribute, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described the deceased as humble, amiable and person with graceful disposition which endeared her to many people.

Asiwaju Tinubu said Mrs Oyediran represented the Awolowo family positively through her excellent moral conduct and her sharing of her father’s welfarist political philosophy.

He said as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tribune Newspapers until her death, Mrs Oyediran helped to take the Tribune titles to new heights through her emphasis on professionalism and integrity in all their editorial offerings.

On his part, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the death of Mrs. Oyediran had thrown the state into mourning.

He described the late Tola Oyediran as not only an embodiment of humility and virtues, but one who has exhibited independent-mindedness, foresight and managerial acumen in all tasks thrust upon her.

According to Governor Abiodun, Mrs Oyediran was also a great Nigerian in her own right and stood as a rock of Gibraltar behind her very successful medical doctor husband and former Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor A.B. O. Oyediran, her successes as a home-maker cannot but be an irreparable loss to her immediate and extended family members and indeed a very painful exit for them.

Adewumi Faniran