President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute following the death of Olusegun Awolowo, the grandson of internationally recognised Nigerian nationalist and former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The President conveyed his grief through a formal statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Okay News reports.
In the statement titled “President Tinubu Mourns The Passing Of Awo’s Grandson, Segun Awolowo,” the Nigerian leader described the passing of the sixty-two-year-old public figure as a painful national loss. He emphasised that the death of Segun Awolowo was not only a blow to his family lineage, but also to Nigeria as a whole.
According to President Tinubu, Segun Awolowo lived up to the expectations associated with being a descendant of one of Africa’s most influential political thinkers. He stated, “Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.”
The President further highlighted the late Awolowo’s years of service to Nigeria, particularly his role as Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from the year 2013 to the year 2021. He recalled that Segun Awolowo made history as the longest serving chief executive officer of the government agency, leaving behind what he described as an impressive public service legacy.
Tinubu also extended heartfelt sympathy to the deceased’s immediate family members and wider relatives. He said, “My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own 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.”
Confirming the loss, the Awolowo family issued an emotional message on Thursday morning. The statement read, “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo.” Family members and mourners across the country continue to express their shock as tributes pour in for the former Nigerian Export Promotion Council executive director.
