TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday advised the family of the late HID Awolowo to “hold together”, recalling the role played by the deceased in her lifetime.

Buhari described the deceased as a great woman, saying she managed the family effectively while her husband traversed parts of the country and the world.

The president was speaking at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos when he led members of his cabinet for the funeral service of the matriarch of the family, who was interred next to her husband.

“I came back last evening from Iran and I had to make sure I do not miss the last rites for Mrs. Awolowo because she earned it,” he said.

“This is the third time I would be here, and I hope the family will try and continue to hold together as they have been doing.

“I appreciate all those who have come to participate in this ceremony.

“I discussed with the governor of Ogun state about what the Late Mrs. Awolowo did for the nation.

“While chief was all over the country and the world, she was effectively managing the family. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”

Earlier a requiem mass was held in her honour at Our Saviours Anglican Church, Ikenne.

Nicholas Okoh, primate of the Anglican church, who presided over the service, showered encomiums on the deceased, urging those at the gathering to live “a life of service”.

“Where she is now is by far better than where she left,” he said.

“The presence of God cannot be compared to the presence of man. In the presence of man, you have sin; you have iniquity; you have deceit, you have confusion but in the presence of God you have peace, pleasure, and joy everlasting.

“She was a loving woman who was devoted to her husband.”

Dignitaries at the event were Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Bukola Saraki; former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; Yakubu Gowon, former head of state; Ernest Shonekan, former interim president; Oladipo Diya, former vice-president; and Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Others are Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun state; Abiola Ajimobi, governor of Oyo state, Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group; Babatunde Fashola, minister of works, power, and housing; Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation; Kayode Fayemi, minister of solid minerals; and Ogbonnay Onu, minister of science and technology.