Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has described the death of Segun Awolowo Jr., grandson of the late Nigerian nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a loss to Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, Tinubu is “deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Olusegun Awolowo, the grandson of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo”.
The President 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 says.
“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,” the statement said.
On his part, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State in a condolence message, said the death of the lawyer and former Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council at 62 came as a rude shock.
He described Awolowo Jr. as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant,” noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief” and will forever treasure memories of their acquaintance.
According to Abiodun, the deceased was “affable, highly intelligent, and extremely easy-going,” traits which endeared him to many and made his demise even more painful.
He said, “It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom. We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”
Segun Awolowo died on Thursday at the age of 62.
The family announced his death with a statement, describing him as a devoted family man, exceptional statesman, and selfless servant of Nigeria.
“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,” the family statement reads partly.
