A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare, has said she was looking forward to the 100th birthday of the late Mrs. HID Awolowo.
Mrs. Adiukwu-Bakare said: “My mind was set on her centenary birthday anniversary, which would have been a grand one, but alas, I received a call from a friend that Mama has passed on.
“It is painful because a number of prominent Nigerians, especially in the political circle, sought Mama’s advice on crucial issues that bordered on unity of the Yoruba and sustenance of peace and unity among Nigerians.
“I, however, take solace in the information that she prayed for all of us in her last moment. No woman compares to her as she was able to sustain the legacy of her husband, Pa Obafemi Awolowo, even several years after he died.
“It is incontrovertible that she on several occasions intervened in crises threatening the unity of the Yoruba.
“Surely, Nigeria, particularly politicians, will miss her for her unparalleled wisdom and knowledge.
“She played a big role sustaining unity among Yoruba descents in the country and in the diaspora.
“Women in the nation and in Africa would miss the matriarch of the Awo dynasty as she has written her name in gold.”