President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have issued condolence messages over the death of Segun Awolowo, grandson of the late Obafemi Awolowo.
President Tinubu conveyed his message through a statement issued on Thursday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement, titled “President Tinubu Mourns the Passing of Awo’s Grandson, Segun Awolowo,” described his death at 62 as a loss to the Awolowo family and to the country.
Tinubu stated that the deceased distinguished himself as a member 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,” the President said.
He noted that Awolowo served as Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2021, adding,
“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 loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Awolowo family earlier announced his death in a statement on Thursday, saying,
“With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a message issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, also mourned the former NEPC chief.
He said, “It is with sadness that I extend my condolences to the family, friends and associates of Olusegun Awolowo. He served the nation with purpose, and he remained a representative of the Awolowo legacy.”
Sanwo-Olu added, “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, I offer sympathies to the Awolowo family and all who mourn him. We pray that God grants them strength and grants him eternal rest.”
Governor Abiodun described Awolowo’s death as a personal loss.
He said he received the news with disbelief and noted that he valued his relationship with the deceased.
Abiodun said, “It is hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit to the decision of the Almighty God. We are heartbroken, but we take consolation in the lessons his life taught.
“Born two months after his father’s death, he rose above early challenges and became an icon. His public service record, including his time as Special Assistant to President Obasanjo, Special Assistant to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport in the FCT, and Executive Director of NEPC from 2013 to 2021, was unblemished.”
He also highlighted Awolowo’s contributions to ECOWAS and Nigeria’s trade reforms during his tenure as President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations and Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“His sojourn may have been brief, but it was impactful. I commiserate with his wife and children, the Awolowo family and Nigerians,” he added.
Governor Makinde described Awolowo’s death as a loss to Nigeria.
He sent condolences to Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, the entire Awolowo family and the Tribune management.
Makinde described the deceased as a mind who represented the Awolowo name in various roles.
He prayed for the repose of his soul.
Segun Awolowo Jr., born on September 27, 1963, was a Nigerian lawyer who served as Executive Director of the NEPC from 2013 to 2021.
He was elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations from ECOWAS member states in 2021.
He lost his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., in a car accident two months before his birth and was raised by his aunt, Tola Oyediran and her husband, Kayode Oyediran.
He attended Mayhill Convent School, Igbobi College, Government College Ibadan and later earned an LLB from Ogun State University.
Awolowo was called to the bar in December 1989 and worked with law firms including Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and G.O.K. Ajayi & Co.
His public service career included roles in the administrations of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Until his death, he served as President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations from ECOWAS states.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
