Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, has mourned the death of Segun Awolowo, grandson of the late Obafemi Awolowo, former premier of Western Nigeria.
Awolowo, a former executive director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, died at 62.
In a condolence message on Thursday, Abiodun said the news came to him with a profound shock, noting that Awolowo embodied the finest qualities of public service.
He praised the late lawyer as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant.”
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The governor said he was still struggling to accept the reality of Awolowo’s passing.
He described the deceased as warm, intelligent and approachable, attributes that, the governor said, made the loss even more difficult to bear.
“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,” Abiodun said.
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“We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”
Abiodun reflected on Awolowo’s early life, noting that although he was born shortly after his father’s death and faced adversity from childhood, he rose above those challenges to establish himself as a respected figure in public life.
He highlighted Awolowo’s service between 2007 and 2011, including roles as special assistant to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, secretary for social development, and secretary of transport at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), describing his record as outstanding and without blemish.
“His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful,” Abiodun said.
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He extended his condolences to Awolowo’s immediate family, the larger Awolowo dynasty, and Nigerians across the country, offering prayers for strength and comfort.
“May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose,” he added.
