- Tinubu, Abiodun, Makinde, Olawepo-Hashim mourn
The HID Awolowo Foundation has announced an adjustment to the format of its forthcoming National Dialogue on Women in Politics: 30 Years After Beijing, scheduled for tomorrow.
The event will now hold, same day, in a hybrid format, accommodating in-person and virtual participation.
A statement at the weekend by the foundation said the adjustment has become necessary following the tragic passing of the grandson of the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and his jewel of inestimable value, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (H.I.D.) Awolowo.
The foundation noted that the death of the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has cast a pall of grief over the Awolowo family and the broader community, which holds the legacy of the patriarch and matriarch in deep reverence.
According to the foundation, participants who can attend physically are invited to the Efunyola Hall in Ikenne, Ogun State, while others are encouraged to join the proceedings online.
The foundation said this would ensure a broad engagement, despite recent developments.
The board of the foundation, in acknowledging this moment of mourning, also resolved that a special segment of the dialogue would be devoted to honouring the memory of the departed, celebrating his contributions and affirming the enduring values of service, integrity, and public-spirited leadership that define the Awolowo heritage.
Despite the sorrow that frames this adjustment, the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining national conversations on women’s political empowerment—an area of advocacy to which Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo dedicated much of her life.
Segun, as he was fondly called, like his late father, was the grandson of the late statesman and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He died on November 20. He was 62.
In a statement announcing his demise, 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 painfully 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 wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being”.
Also,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and a presidential hopeful and businessman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, expressed sadness over the demise of the scion of the Awolowo dynasty.
The President said Nigeria has lost a distinguished son.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Segun Awolowo’s demise as “unfortunate and a tragic blow, not only to the Awolowo family but also to the entire country”.
He noted that the deceased upheld the values and legacy of the illustrious Awolowo lineage.
“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 said.
He extended his condolences to Segun Awolowo’s widow, children, and mother, Alhaja Abah Folawiyo, as well as to the wider Awolowo family.
He also commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State, the entire Southwest and Nigerians across the country, describing the death as a “painful loss”.
Governor Abiodun said: “It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the decision of the Almighty God, who has called him into His bosom.
“We are deeply heartbroken, but we will take consolation in the exemplary great lessons his life taught us, for he was such a jolly good fellow.
“Born two months after his father’s death, Awolowo Jr. was acquainted with grief from childhood, but he rose above the challenges and became an icon in his own right…”
Also, Governor Makinde described the death of Segun Awolowo as painful and a sad loss to Nigeria.
The Oyo State governor condoled with the Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) PLC, publishers of the Tribune titles, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, the entire Awolowo family and the management of Tribune Newspapers.
He described Segun Awolowo as a great mind and a great ambassador of the Awolowo family, who made good marks everywhere he went.
Makinde prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased.
Also, a presidential hopeful and businessman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has paid a moving tribute to the late Segun Awolowo.
In an emotional statement, titled: “Good Night My Brother and Friend, Segun Awolowo,” Olawepo-Hashim said news of Awolowo’s passing reached him while he was in Madrid, Spain.
The businessman and politician said it left him “shocked and unsettled”.
He explained that the reports on Awolowo’s demise initially came in quietly, prompting him to contact close associates for confirmation.
Olawepo-Hashim said his first call was to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, a mutual friend of more than two decades.
Still uncertain, the presidential hopeful said he contacted a businessman, Terry Waya, who confirmed the tragic news.
According to him, in the attempts to authenticate the sad news, he tried to contact members of the Awolowo family, including Funke Awolowo, and later spoke with the Managing Director of Tribune Newspapers, Mr. Edward Dickson, who further validated the loss.
Olawepo-Hashim described the late Segun Awolowo as part of a close-knit circle of Abuja friends — an inner circle that spanned 26 years and included AbdulRazaq, Waya, and the late Abdul Kokori.
The businessman recalled visiting Awolowo in Abuja a few months earlier, where he found him lively and full of plans, even proudly introducing him to his senior management team.
In what he considered a final parting charge, Awolowo had told him: “Gbenga, please, keep standing for Nigeria. Among all of us, you’re the one I know has the capacity to stand.”
Olawepo-Hashim also described the late Segun Awolowo as “a rare gem, humble, thoughtful, and deeply patriotic” who distinguished himself through hard work, public service, and a strong personal ethic, far beyond the weight of his famous surname.
The presidential hopeful recalled that their friendship was grounded in deep conversations and moments of prayer, which Awolowo always valued.
“I am grateful for the gift of friendship we shared and pained that it ended too soon,” he wrote.
In a solemn farewell to Segun Awolowo, the businessman wrote: “Good night, my brother and friend. Rest well, Segun.”
