A grandson of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Olusegun Awolowo, has died.
The Awolowo family announced his passing on Thursday. He was 62.
“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement read.
The family described him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.
“A loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment. He was a true family man, a great friend, a devoted servant of God, and a deeply admirable human being.
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Reacting, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the passing of Segun Awolowo.
President Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the Awolowo family through a statement signed Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President described Segun Awolowo’s death at 62 as unfortunate and a tragic loss “not only to the Awolowo family, but also to the entire country.”
He noted that the late Segun distinguished himself as a scion of the Awolowo family.
“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.
“He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest-serving executive director of the agency in history,” the President said.
He added: “My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, Sisi Abah Folawiyo.
“I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-West geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
Oyo State Governor,Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, has also described the death of Mr Awolowo as painful and a sad loss to Nigeria.
In a statement, Governor Makinde condoled with the Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, publishers of the Tribune Titles, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, the entire Awolowo family and the management of Tribune.
He described Mr. Awolowo as a great mind and a great ambassador of the Awolowo family, who made great marks everywhere he went.
The governor prayed God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased.
Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that the death of Mr. Awolowo Jr. was a personal loss.
In a condolence message, Governor Abiodun said the passing of the former Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council at 62 came as a rude shock, noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief.”
He described Mr. Awolowo Jr. as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant.”
According to the governor, Awolowo Jr. was affable, intelligent and easy-going qualities that endeared him to many and made his death even more painful.
“It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit to the will of Almighty God. We are heartbroken, but consoled by the exemplary lessons his life taught us,” he said.
After being called to the Bar in 1989, he worked with notable law firms before serving as Special Assistant to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
He also served as Secretary for Social Development and later Secretary of Transport between 2007 and 2011.
The governor added that Awolowo’s leadership at NEPC from 2013 to 2021 and his election in 2021 as President of National Trade Promotion Organizations from ECOWAS member states were testament to his dedication to national development.
“His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful,” Abiodun said.
Punch/Olaolu Fawole, Iyabo Adebisi, Abimbola Bamgbose
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