PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan described the death of the publisher of the Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, as sad and painful, as he also observed that he was a distinguished evangelist, humanist and community leader.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, in Abuja, on Thursday, the president similarly described the late publisher as “a worthy and honoured member of the Awolowo dynasty, who diligently served God and humanity to the best of his abilities.”
He commended the steadfast, life-long commitment to upholding, maintaining and continually improving the Tribune newspapers, which ensured that the Nigerian Tribune and its sister publications had remained an objective voice of reason in Nigeria’s media space and had been offering invaluable services to the nation, adding that “it is not a mean feat to have sustained the Tribune newspapers over the years.”
“On behalf of myself, my family and the Federal Government, I extend heartfelt condolences to Chief Awolowo’s immediate family, the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, other family members, the Ikenne community, the management and staff of Tribune newspapers, as well as the people and government of Ogun State,” Jonathan said.
He prayed God to console the bereaved and grant the soul of Chief Oluwole Awolowo a peaceful rest
.
SENATE President, David Mark, described the death of the publisher and vice chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Tribune titles, Evangelist Oluwole Awolowo, as a painful exit.
Mark, in a condolence message to the government of Ogun State and the family of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, said the news was saddening.
The Senate president, in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said the late media guru was an erudite administrator, who lived a godly life with love and passion for humanity.
“He was a courageous and outspoken Nigerian. I recall with nostalgia the tenacity of purpose portrayed by late Evangelist Oluwole. He never discriminated against friends, workers and even relations. When the mantle of leadership fell on his shoulder, even at early stage of life, he stood firm and made a greater impact.
“The Unbreakable, as fondly called by associates, has passed on. We are pained and saddened but what can we do. This is purely the will of God Almighty, as death is an inevitable end of all mortals. We have, once again, lost a rare gem; a kind, considerate and selfless Nigerian,” Mark said.
EKITI State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, expressed shock on the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, saying the family had lost a motivator.
Governor Fayemi, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, regretted that “death has robbed the Awolowo clan of a shining star, who had been a motivator of the family since the demise of the patriarch, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
According to Fayemi, “the loss became more painful by the fact that the family was yet to fully recover from the death of Oluwole’s sister, Mrs Ayodele Soyode, who passed on less than two years ago.”
The governor credited Oluwole with the nurturing of the Tribune titles which he described as “a big media empire which has endured for over 60 years.”
The governor said Oluwole would be remembered for using politics to add value to governance as a legislator at the council and state levels.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ekiti State, I condole with the Awolowo family, the Tribune family, the Ikenne community and the entire Yoruba race on this great loss,” Fayemi said.
BAUCHI State governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, on Thursday, described the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo as most unfortunate and a great loss to the Nigerian newspaper industry.
According to a statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ishola Michael Adeyemi, Governor Yuguda said Chief Awolowo’s death came to him as a shock, adding, however, that, “as mortal, we must all die one day, because death is a definite end of all living beings.”
He condoled the Chief Obafemi Awolowo family, particularly the matriarch of the dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, over the loss, which he said was irreparable, coming at a time when his fatherly role was most needed.
Governor Yuguda also extended the condolences of the government and peopleof Bauchi State to the Tribune family over the loss, declaring that the demise of the publisher and vice chairman of the company had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill in the near future.
The governor then prayed that God Almighty would be with the Awolowo family in this time of grief and urged them to take solace in God and the fact that Chief Oluwole Awolowo lived a life beneficial to many.
It’s a great loss to Yorubaland - Ajimobi
OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, described the passage of Chief Oluwole Awolowo as shocking and a great loss to Yorubaland.
He made this known in a release issued in Ibadan, on Thursday, by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo.
“Chief Oluwole Awolowo’s passage, shortly after the demise of his sister, Mrs Ayo Soyode, is a great blow to a Yorubaland, which will not forget in a hurry the footsteps of development and leadership offered the South-West and, indeed, Yorubaland by their father and the father of us all.
“He was a jolly good fellow who desired the good of the Yoruba nation and who worked for a return to a path of peaceful nationhood,” the governor remarked.
While commiserating with the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, Governor Ajimobi urged her to take solace in the several number of lives touched by ’Wole within the period of his existence.
“Though shocking and irreparable, his death should not be turned into mourning but a celebration of the great time he spent here on earth.
“He was one son of a famous leader who demystified wealth and status by associating with the lowly. He drove himself all through, no matter how long the journey was and enjoyed lifting the children of the poor,” the release said.
The news, a blow —MimikoONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, expressed shock at the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, the governor said the death came as a blow to many like him, considering the fact that the departed was survived by an aged mother, the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Mama HID Awolowo.
“May I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ondo State, commiserate with the Awolowo family, both nuclear and extended, biological and political, on the loss of Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
“His death is saddening and made more so by the fact that he is survived by an aged, loving mother, Mama H.I.D Awolowo. We can only pray that the good Lord grant the family the needed strength to bear this unfortunate loss,” he said.
Mimiko said the death of Chief Awolowo in one way confirmed the certainty of death and in another, the fact that death was no respecter of age or the peculiarities of the bereaved family.
He said the people of Ondo State were with the Awolowo family in this trying times and full of prayers for the repose of the soul of the dead.
I lost an elder brother - Uduaghan
DELTA State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, expressed shock at the demise of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, stating that he had lost an elder brother.
In a statement by Felix Ofou, his press secretary, the governor also noted with concern the impact of the death on the matriach of the family, Mama H.I.D. Awolowo.
Governor Uduaghan described the late Oluwole Awolowo as a humble, easy going and focused personality, who spent almost his entire life for the good of humanity.
“Not once throughout my continued encounter with him did he betray emotions of being born with a silver spoon. Unless you are told, you won’t know he was a son of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was simple, humble and very focused. He was not one to be associated with triviality,” he added
The governor added that “I am concerned about the impact of the death on Mama. Though she has demonstrated strong and unqualified resilience in the face of adversity, I am bothered at this twist of fate.”
It’s sad, shocking —AhmedKWARA State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, described the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo as sad, unfortunate and shocking.
Governor Ahmed, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, in Ilorin, on Thursday, noted that the death of Chief Awolowo at the age of 70 was painful, as it was at an age Nigeria could still tap from his fountain of wisdom.
“The postulations of the late Chief Oluwole Awolowo in the last couple of years, in his column, Oba’s Lectern, though a Christian column, are didactic, inspiring and forthright in a manner that it instils in the reader the quest for uprightness,” the governor said.
Governor Ahmed recalled that it was instructive that as publisher and vice chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, the Tribune titles remained a credible voice in the land and must-read newspapers by fans and foes alike.
The governor, therefore, commiserated with the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Mama HID Awolowo, the Awolowo family, management and staff of ANN Plc and prayed that God would give them the fortitude to bear the passage of Chief Awolowo and the strength and wisdom to keep the flag of the Tribune titles high.
It’s painful —Oshiomhole
EDO State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo is painful.
In a condolence message to the matriarch of Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said “I learnt with rude shock and grief, news of the death of your son and scion of the Awolowo family, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. On behalf of the people and government of Edo State, I offer my heartfelt condolences.
“We share in the grief and pain of the Awolowo family at this very difficult period, knowing how closely knit the family is.
“Oluwole upheld the Awolowo name till the end and kept the dream of the sage alive through his prudent management of the Tribune newspapers. He will always be remembered for his forthrightness,” he said.
He commiserated with his immediate family of the deceased and prayed God to grant the members the fortitude to bear the loss.
It’s a great loss to the nation —Akpabio
GOVERNOR Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has described the death of Oluwole Awolowo, publisher of the Tribune titles as a great loss to the nation.
He maintained that under the watch of the late Awolowo, the Tribune, one of Nigeria’s most enduring newspapers, gained greater national relevance and became a veritable tool of unity and a paragon of quality journalism.
He said the legacies of the deceased publisher would outlive him and his place would be cemented in the history of our nation as a man, who did all the good he could and paid his dues to build a great nation.
He added that he was “extending to the family of the deceased and the managment and staff of Tribune, the heartfelt condolences of the government and good people of Akwa Ibom State.”
He was a leader, gentleman —Fashola
LAGOS State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Thursday, expressed sadness at the passage of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, describing him as a leader and a gentleman.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Hakeem Bello, Governor Fashola said he was particularly pained by the fact that the former member of Apapa Local Council passed on at a time he was needed most to propel the enduring legacy of the Awolowo family.
“It is, indeed saddening that Chief Oluwole Awolowo would pass on at this point in time when he is most needed to continue to provide needed support to the family, especially to the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Awolowo, who turned 97 recently,” the Governor said.
According to the governor, “That Chief Oluwole has played a leading role in the affairs of the prominent Awolowo family, especially since the translation of Papa Awolowo, is never in doubt.
“His indomitable presence as vice chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Tribune titles and overseer over the other family interests has gone a long way to keep the legacies of Papa Awolowo alive, years after his translation. He was a genuine leader and a natural gentleman.
Governor Fashola recalled the political career of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, especially when at a tender age he demonstrated his independence of mind by joining the youth vanguard of a party opposed to that of his father. The governor pointed out that this was just one example of the broadmindedness which dominated the entire life of Chief Oluwole.
“But Papa Awolowo did not rebuke him for that. Instead, the sage admired him for it and gave him the nickname “Unbreakable,” a name which he obviously lived in full both in his public and private life,” Governor Fashola said, adding that lessons could be learnt from men like Chief Oluwole Awolowo in a milieu where “ethnic, religious and sectional considerations still remain dominant.”
The governor said the deceased would be sorely missed “not only by the famous Awolowo dynasty, but also by the people of Lagos whom he served and the entire people of the Southwest and Nigeria.”
His death, loss to progressive journalism —Wammako
SOKOTO State governor, Alhaji Magatakarda Wamakko, described the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo as a shock and as a loss to progressive journalism in Nigeria.
Wamakko, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, said he was pained that the publisher died in London after a brief illness, noting that he had demonstrated commitment to the sustaining of the legacies of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a reason the Tribune titles had been able to survive for more than six decades as a private venture.
“I received the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo with shock and sadness, dismayed all the same that the hardworking publisher died in London after a brief illness.
“As an ardent admirer of the achievements of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s foremost democrats and as fan of the Tribune titles, I could not but conclude that the late Oluwole Awolowo contributed meaningfully to the building of progressive journalism in Nigeria for which the Tribune titles stand as a great pillar.
“I hereby condole with Mama, Chief HID Awolowo, members of the Awolowo family, the African Newspapers of Nigeria (Plc), friends and associates of Chief Olowole Awolowo on the sudden death. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement read.
Lagos Assembly honours Oluwole Awolowo
LAGOS State House of Assembly (LAHA) on Thursday observed a minute silence in honour of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, publisher of ANN Plc, who died on Wednesday in a London hospital.
The legislature presided over by Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji while giving the honour, expressed shock and sadness at the death of the son of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, just as it described the deceased as a great politician and a role model.
The late publisher was a member of Lagos State House of Assembly between 1979 and 1983 representing Apapa constituency of the state.
The House noted that the death of Oluwole Awolowo was more saddening as the deceased left behind his mother, Mama, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo.
While speaking, a member, Honourable Wahab Alawiye-King, said the late Oluwole was a great politician and like the sage left a footprint that was difficult to erase.
According to him, the Assembly is still benefiting from such footprints, noting that the Awolowo family, Lagos State and Nigeria generally would greatly miss him.
Also, Hon Ahmed Omisore, who also contributed to the debate, corroborated Hon Alawiye-King’s statement, saying Chief Awolowo really made a mark worthy of emulation.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has set up an ad-hoc committee with the mandate to find modalities that would be employed to honour and celebrate great Nigerians while still alive.
This resolution followed an observation made by a member of the House, Sikiru Osinowo Kosofe I during plenary drawing attention of his colleagues to what he termed erroneous celebration of people after their demise.
“There are more than 200 people who I personally know that have contributed to the enthronement of democracy who are still alive and yet they are not celebrated,” Osinowo said.
The speaker, Honourable Ikuforiji, noted that the issue of celebrating the living, especially those who had contributed to the development of the state in their own capacity, demanded sober reflection.
It is saddening - Muyiwa IgeTHE son of the late ‘Cicero’ and the Commissioner of Lands, Osun State, Mr Muyiwa Ige said “it is very sad to have lost you. My prayer is that God will grant your soul sweet repose.”
I am sad —Ihedioha
DEPUTY Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, on Thursday, expressed his sincere condolence to the Chief Obafemi Awolowo dynasty, especially Mama HID Awolowo and the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publisher of the Tribune titles, over the death of its publisher, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
He said this in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Okey Epia, that he received the “news of Oluwole Awolowo’s demise with sadness,”
Honourable Ihedioha said he “shares his (Chief Oluwole Awolowo) admiration for the managerial and entrepreneurial capabilities of the late publisher and called on his successor and management of the newspaper to keep the flag flying higher.”
The deputy Speaker then prayed God Almighty to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.
He equally prayed “the good Lord to give the family, especially Mama and the Tribune family fortitude to bear the loss.”
He was more than a friend —Bari Salau
A close associate and friend of the deceased, Comrade Bari Salau, said Wole was not just his friend, but a great mentor, who abhorred vain glory.
“It was a privilege for me to have known who Wole was. He was a good friend and a mentor. As a publisher, he was a father-friend to the staff of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles.
“I enjoyed some of his benevolence when he appointed me as the Deputy Advertisement Manager of Nigerian Tribune in 1986. He was kind and down to earth and sweet to work with. As a UPN member in the Lagos State Assembly, he was a leader among equals. On one occasion, when a friend wanted to exploit his goodwill, he humbly turned him down.
As the publisher of the Tribune titles, Wole successfully added value of Papa Awolowo, because at no time had the Nigerian Tribune gained national prominence and acceptance than today, under Wole as publisher.
“For seven years since Wole had an auto crash, Papa Awolowo’s ‘Unbreakable’ had battled with death; it could not break down Awo (Jr). When I saw him about two years ago, he was radiant, even in pain and he did not give me the impression that would be the last as I went to board a plane back to New York. Rest in the bossom of your maker and tell Papa that his work lives on. Omo Yeye Odua, Awolowo’s ‘Unbreakable’, Good night.”
Ekiti ACN commisserates with Awolowo family, Tribune
THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ekiti State has mourned the death of the publisher of the Tribune titles and Vice Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, saying “it came to us as a rude shock.”
Reacting to the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, chairman of the ACN in Ekiti State, Chief Olajide Awe, said “we believe it is a big loss, not only to the family of Awolowo, but to the entire human race.”
Awe said the loss was also a big loss to the Tribune family and the entire Awolowo family.
He said: “I pray that the Lord will continue to be with the immediate siblings of Chief Awolowo and the Tribune family, because as the head of that organisation, you will feel it and we pray that the Tribune as a household newspaper will not collapse.”
‘May Allah grant the Awolowo family fortitude to bear the loss’
FORMER governorship candidate under the umbrella of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Oyo State, Mr Adebayo Shittu, prayed that “Allah grants the Awolowo family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss” as well as for “the Tribune empire, which the late Awolowo left behind, to grow from strength to strength.”
Lanlehin expresses shock
VICE Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, has described the death of the Publisher/Vice Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, as shocking and disheartening.
Lanlehin, in a statement by his media aide, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Thursday, said: “An average Nigerian, who cherishes good name and enviable track record of service, resourcefulness and patriotism would naturally be pained if the legendary Obafemi Awolowo family is in grief.
“Besides, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, who, until his death on Wednesday, was the patriarch of the Awolowo family, carved a niche for himself through a personal record of simplicity, responsibility and godliness. This helped him in the successful piloting of the Tribune titles.
However, his death at the age of 70 had created another vacuum, which will be extremely difficult to fill.
“Indeed, the fact that Egbon ‘Wole left behind an aged mother, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, makes his death more regrettable, but one can only take solace in the fact that he was able to live an exemplary life expected of someone born of and nurtured by a unique family.”
The lawmaker urged the entire Awolowo family, staff members of ANN Plc and all Awoists to be calm and continue to sustain the Awo legacy.
‘He was a kind and generous man’
FORMER editor of the Nigerian Tribune, Alhaji Muda Ganiyu said “Oluwole Awolowo was a gentle, kind and generous man. Also, he proved to be an astute businessman by keeping the ANN Plc afloat throughout his lifetime.”
A great loss to the nation —Olajumoke Akinjide
MINISTER of State for Federal Capital Territory, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, on Thursday, commiserated with the Awolowo family over the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, the son of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The minister also expressed her heartfelt condolences to the Board, Management and Staff of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, over the loss of their publisher.
Akinjide, in a statement by her media aide, Mr Oluyinka Akintunde, described the demise of the publisher as a great loss to the nation, while, however, taking solace in the fact that the deceased left a good legacy worthy of emulation and attained a spiritual piety as a practicing Christian.
She noted that Chief Awolowo would be remembered for the factual and objective news reporting which he ensured became the hallmark of the Tribune stable.
“I commiserate with the Awolowo family and the Board, Management and Staff of the African Newspapers of Nigeria over this irreparable loss and I pray that the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and give the members of the family and ANN plc the fortitude to bear this great loss,” Akinjide said.
He fought a good fight —Femi Fani-Kayode
I was informed about the passing of my dear egbon, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. He was a wonderful and such a kind and gentle soul — a truly illustrious gentleman with an equally illustrious heritage.
This is a sad day for those of us who grew up looking up to him, for the yoruba people and, indeed, for Nigeria. He goes forth to meet his ancestors, his forefathers and the Living God.
He fought a good fight, he stood his ground and he made his mark. He has everything to be proud of and we are certainly very proud of him. May the soul of this great son of Oduduwa and Nigeria rest in perfect peace.
Sympathisers besiege Ikenne, burial fixed for April 19
SCORES of sympathisers thronged the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, on Thursday, when they learnt of the death of the publisher and vice chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
This is just as April 19 has been fixed for the burial ceremony of the deceased.
Symphatisers were seen in groups discussing the incident, as family members received visitors.
Among the early callers were former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Olufunke; the Alakene of Ikenne-Remo, Oba Adeyinka Onakade; representatives of the Ooni of Ife, led by the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Elijah Adegoke.
Others were Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Justice Owolabi Sonoiki (retd) and Chief GOK Ajayi and his wife General Oladipo Diya, Prince Bola Ajibola, Professor Timothy Ogunlesi, Ogun State secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Abimbola Awofeso.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mr Oronto Douglas, said the deceased was a great Nigerian.
Jonathan, in the condolence register, wrote: “A great son of Nigeria is gone. Adieu our leader and brother.”
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described the death of Oluwole Awolowo as a rude shock.
Amosun, in the condolence register, wrote: “I really don't know what to say or write. Despite our grief, we thank the good Lord. He gives and takes. We cannot question or query God.
“May the good Lord grant you eternal rest and may He continue to give Mama good health and may He comfort Mama and the rest of the Awolowo family, biological and political. Adieu.”
Daniel in a statement signed by his media aide, Adegbenro Adebanjo, described the deceased as a peace builder and an unassuming leader.
He stated further that Oluwole contributed his quota to the society.
“I commiserate with the matriarch, Mama HID Awolowo, sisters and the immediate family of the deceased, as well as the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune. May the good Lord grant him eternal rest and give all those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
The senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, said the deceased was a gentleman and kind to all.
Also, a lawmaker representing Egbado South/ Ipokia federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Abiodun Akinlade, said the deceased lived a good life worthy of emulation.
Members of Awolowo political family, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Senators Femi Okurounmu and Anthony Adefuye all described Oluwole's death as sad.
Olaniwun said “I don't want to make any press statement, it is a very sad day.”
Okurounmu wrote: “My dear Wole, it is sad that you left us at this time. You have fought valiantly and you may now rest in peace. Mama will be alright in Jesus name until her God's appointed time. Adieu.”
Diya, in his condolence, said, “It is sad, but in everything the Bible tells us to give thanks. We thank God for his life. May God Almighty grant him eternal rest.”
The Bishop of Remo Diocese (Anglican Communion), The Right Reverend (Dr) Olusina Fape, in his tribute, said the death of Tribune’s publisher was a great loss to him and the Diocese.
Uncle Wole has gone to rest —Segun Awolowo (Jnr)
THE first grandchild of the Awolowo family, Mr Segun Awolowo (Jnr), has said his uncle, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, has gone to rest, having suffered pains since the ghastly accident where he was involved in 2006.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, Awolowo (Jnr) said the family was grateful to God for “giving him rest,” after all he had went through as a result of the accident.
On how the family received the news of his death, he noted that his demise was painful and highly devastating.
“The family received the news of Uncle Wole’s death with saddened heart, but nonetheless, joyous to the Lord that He had taken him to go and rest, because he had been in pain.
“He has been sick since two years ago with various illness. We thank God that He made him rest.
“We are supposed to be joyful and celebrating, because he had children and he was successful,” he said.
His death came as a surprise —OlasunkanmiFORMER Minister of Youth Development, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, was also among callers at the Tribune House on Thursday evening.
He said the death came to him as a surprise, saying “we woke up this morning to learn about the passing onto glory of the publisher of the Tribune titles, Master Oluwole Awolowo.
“This sad news was received with gratitude to God for a life well spent, having devoted the greater part of his life to serve God. It is my prayer that God will comfort the aged mother and siblings he left behind. May he continue to rest in the bossom of the Lord.”
Akinlabi, who said he was very passionate about the Tribune newspapers, described the company as one that would continue to flourish even after the death of Chief Awolowo.
He recalled how he had benefitted from Awo’s educational legacy, through which he is what he is today, as he promised to continue to support the organisation.
Babatope, Oba Salau, others mourn Oluwole AwolowoBy Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja
FORMER Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and the traditional ruler of the Yoruba community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Oba Olusegun Salau, on Thursday, joined other Nigerians and the international community to commiserate with the family of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, over the demise of the publisher /vice chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
In their separate condolence messages to the Awolowo family, addressed to Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, they described the demise Chief Oluwole Awolowo as “a great loss, not only to the family and Ogun State but, indeed, to the entire nation in general.”
They prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest and those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.
According to Chief Babatope, “Oluwole Awolowo ..., my friend has translated mortality for immortality, a kind and great mind has departed this world of sin.
“He was a fighter for social justice and rights of the oppressed.
Until his death,we spent 40 years in politics and social friendship, his friends were many over the world. God will be with Mama, the entire biological and political family of Papa Awolowo at this critical hours. May God bless the memory of Oluwole Awolowo, Amen!”
In his condolence message on behalf of the Yoruba community in the FCT, Oba Salau lamented the sudden death of the publisher of the Tribune titles, adding that the Yoruba community received the news with rude shock,
“The Yoruba race has, again, lost one of its illustrious son, whose demise is painful to the entire race,” he said.
His death, loss to progressive journalism —Wammako
SOKOTO State governor, Alhaji Magatakarda Wamakko, described the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo as a shock and as a loss to progressive journalism in Nigeria.
Wamakko, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, said he was pained that the publisher died in London after a brief illness, noting that he had demonstrated commitment to the sustaining of the legacies of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a reason the Tribune titles had been able to survive for more than six decades as a private venture.
“I received the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo with shock and sadness, dismayed all the same that the hardworking publisher died in London after a brief illness.
“As an ardent admirer of the achievements of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s foremost democrats and as fan of the Tribune titles, I could not but conclude that the late Oluwole Awolowo contributed meaningfully to the building of progressive journalism in Nigeria for which the Tribune titles stand as a great pillar.
“I hereby condole with Mama, Chief HID Awolowo, members of the Awolowo family, the African Newspapers of Nigeria (Plc), friends and associates of Chief Olowole Awolowo on the sudden death. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement read.
Bode George, PZ mourn
FORMER chairman, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Chief Olabode George, has described the late Chief Oluwole Awolowo as an astute businessman and worthy son of the sage, who will be greatly missed.
Chief George, who called in from London, said the late Awolowo endeared himself to the heart of his associates and friends with ease.
He prayed God to give Mama HID Awolowo and the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, Tahir of the PZ said “we learnt of the demise of the publisher of your esteemed newspaper. He will be missed dearly by all. Please accept our condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”
He was a true patriot - Ex-minister Adetokunbo Kayode
A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, said Chief Oluwole Awolowo was “a great patriot, a politician of conscience and great devotee to the service of God.
“We had all been praying that the late chief would recover fully from treatment after the fatal accident of 2006.Even with the best of treatment both at home and abroad, God Almighty has, however, decided that the time to take our beloved chief is now. The media world will miss his simple lifestyle, his care for the underprivileged and his faith in a great prosperous Nigeria. We, his admirers, will miss a patriot who, during his lifetime, demonstrated how to be a true a Nigerian.
“My heartfelt condolence goes to our mother, the Matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo and the entire management and staff of Tribune newspapers. Adieu our brother, the unbreakable.”
Wole was a visionary, legendary patriot —Senator Iyiola Omisore
“I receive with deep shock and regret the report of transition into eternal glory of the publisher of Tribune newspapers, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. As a friend of the house, I have followed closely the late chief before and all through his treatment after the unfortunate accident of September 2006.
“That Oluwole gave up even with the best of treatment is only a confirmation that the exit is the will of God. A consummate politician, a man of God in the media, Chief Oluwole Awolowo was a visionary and legendary patriot both during his days in the Lagos State House of Assembly and later as a publisher of Tribune titles. His positive attitude to life, his care for the underprivileged his devotion to the service of God are testimonies of a life well spent and eternal bliss in the hereafter.
“My heartfelt condolence goes to our mother, the Matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo who is also the chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc. I emphatise and identify also with the management and staff of Tribune newspapers in this period of grief while I pray God to grant us all the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
I’ve lost another family member —Prince Kayode Olowu
ELDER statesman and chieftain of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN0, Prince Kayode Olowu, said Chief Oluwole Awolowo’s death was a personal loss to him as a member of the Awolowo fraternity.
“His death is a devastating blow. Apart from the age-long relationship with Papa Awolowo, Wole and I were part of Jakande administration in Lagos State in the Second Republic. He was a true son of his parents: humble, generous, compassionate, pious and patriotic. He was ever passionate about the welfare of workers.
“His exit is a big and painful loss to all of us who truly cherish those ideals that the Awolowos stand for. However, all of us must take solace in the fact that Papa Awolowo lives on. I also send my heartfelt condolence to our mother, the Matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo and the entire management and staff of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Tribune titles.”
A big pain, loss to all Nigerians - Afenifere
IN a statement by the publicity of the apex Yoruba organisation, Afenifere stated, “The entire Afenifere family mourns the passing away of the scion of our illustrious leader’s family, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. His death is big pain and loss to all of us who are followers of the sage. We pray that the Almighty will strengthen our Mama and the entire family in this difficult moment.”
Arisekola-Alao condoles Awolowo family
“I have received with heavy heart the demise of my very dear brother and friend, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, publisher, African Newspaper of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, in London.
“Though painful and devastating , death is inevitable for mortals. It’s more than tragedy to lose Egbon Wole. His public relation is second to none, very nice a man, a rallying point, myself and Egbon Wole have been together for almost 50 years.
It is not in any Book of God that a child will bury his parents nor parents will bury his child, it is the will of God.
We take consolation in the fact that our amiable ‘unbreakable’ left good legacies, May Allah be kind to him,” Alhaji Abdul-Azzez Arisekola-Alao stated in a condolence message to the Awolowo family, at the Tribune house.
We’ve lost another great son —Fasehun
IN a statement he issued in his capacity as the chairman of the promoters of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr Fredrick Fasehun described the deceased as a leader among equals, as well as a kind and generous personality.
Fasehun said Wole, as the late publisher was popularly called, had an undisguised passion for the underprivileged in the society and the welfare of the working class.
Noting that the circumstances that led to his death epitomised the level of bad governance in Nigeria with its bad roads and inadequate response to emergency situation,Fasehun also said that the deceased lived up to Wednesday was an act of God and his peculiar resilience which earned him the appellation ‘Unbreakable’ from Papa Awo.
He described Wole as ‘‘an achiever and goal getter and recalled that as a UPN member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, he was a leader among equals.
“He was kind and generous. Wole was a man of God with PhD degree in theology, Wole was a pastor with passion to take care of the underpriviledged.
“As a publisher, he was an inspiration to his staff so much that he increased the quality of the Nigerian Tribune to make the paper acceptable and admired by the generality of the Nigerian people. Wole made his mark in Nigerian journalism by promoting the dignity of Nigerian Journalist.
“It is disheartening to see the political Publisher, Wole leave us at a time we are resuscitating the UPN, the party Wole held dear to his heart. We are consoled, however, that he was aware of our mission and would be with us in spirit.
“Wole, the Publisher of the oldest Private Newspaper in Nigeria, Omo Yeye Odua and the son of the Avatar, Papa Obafemi Awolowo, rest in the bosom of your Maker. Your admirers all over Nigeria and beyond mourn your departure. Tell Papa we have taken up the gauntlet to ensure his work does not die. May God give the entire Awolowo family the strength to bear the irreparable loss’
Wole was a sane voice in the midst of noise makers —Chief Dipo Olaitan
THE leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD)in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, Chief Dipo Olaitan said Wole was an exceptional figure who did not flaunt the goodwill of the Awolowo family.
“We were good friends. Between 1979 and 1983 when I was a Special Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande in Lagos State in the Second Republic, Wole was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. We were very, very friendly. If he had a matter to be discussed on the floor of the Assembly, we will trash it out, especially if it had to do with legal matters. We will discuss the best approach to go about it.
“His demise is a very sad development. He was not class-modeled. Wole did not carry the fame of his family on his head: he was simple, modest, very much approachable and would help anybody that came his way. He was most unassuming such that you were the one that will have to remind him he was the son of Awolowo when you met and interacted with him. We need more people like him. Indeed, he was a sane voice in the midst of noise makers.
Oyinlola commiserates with Awolowo family
Former Osun State governor, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has expressed his condolences to the Awolowo family over the demise of Evangelist Oluwole Awolowo, who passed on in the United Kingdom yesterday, after a protracted illness.
In his letter, Oyinlola stated that “By this development, Ogun State and indeed, Nigeria, have been robbed of the invaluable services of a thorough-bred personality whose contributions to societal development were very remarkable.
“Evangelist Awolowo, throughout his sojourn on earth, demonstrated the virtues of honesty, sincerity of purpose and commitment to his chosen goals and agenda. He was a great patriot who flew the banner of your esteemed family creditably, both as a politician and a businessman.
“I am aware that it is most painful to lose a valuable personality like Evangelist Awolowo who radiated warmth and affection, not only to members of his family, but also his environment.
“However, I enjoin you to be consoled by the fact that the deceased lived an exemplary life full of service to humanity.
“He will certainly be missed for his commitment and dedication to the development of the society. It is my prayer that God, in His infinite mercies would give you the fortitude to bear the huge loss and also grant the soul of Evangelist Awolowo eternal repose.”
‘Unbreakable’ was anchor man for Awolowo dynasty –Ladoja
Former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has said he is astonished at the news of the death of the Publisher/Vice Chairman of Tribune titles, Master Oluwole Awolowo.
In a statement signed by him, the national leader of the Accord Party described Master Awolowo as not just a son of the revered sage, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but also the anchor man for the dynasty.
Ladoja recalled the political accomplishments of the deceased especially during his electoral victory into the Lagos House of Assembly to represent Apapa Constituency in the First Republic.
Quoting from 1 Thessalonians 3:14, Ladoja admonished Nigerians not to grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope, because the deceased had only gone to sleep and would reign with Jesus on the resurrection morning.
The former governor, while urging Nigerians to pray to God console the bereaved family, asked God to grant the mother of the publisher, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Adieu, scion of the Awolowo dynasty —YUF
The vice chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, and the entire members of the organisation have commiserated with the founder and chairman of the organisation, Yeye Oodua Chief H.I.D. Awolowo and the entire Obafemi Awolowo dynasty, on the passing away of the scion of the family, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
The YUF received with deep shock but with gratitude to God Almighty the news of the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo. YUF noted that Chief Oluwole Awolowo lived a very simple life, was a very hardworking man and a silent achiever with an unobtrusive personality.
“For about four decades he held forte successfully as the Publisher and Vice Chairman of the inimitable Tribune titles, effectively steering the ship of the organisation.
“Even in very difficult times for the print media in Nigeria, Oluwole Awolowo was always on top of the situation ensuring that the Tribune titles remained vibrant and independent.
“In the tradition of the Awolowo heritage, he was a detribalised Nigerian patriot and a very committed Yoruba leader.
“In the last two decades, he devoted his time and resources to the work of God propagating the gospel as a renowned evangelist. He was a philanthropist, always ready to assist the needy. It is heart rending and most painful to believe that “Unbreakable” is no more.
“In this period of grief, may God Almighty grant mama Yeye Oodua, in particular, and the entire Awolowo dynasty the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the YUF concluded.
Ikimi commiserates with Tribune, Awolowo family
The death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, publisher of the Tribune titles and second son of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, on Wednesday, has been described as a rude shock and one blow, too many for the beloved family and Awoists all over the world.
National Coordinator, Forum for Justice & Human Rights Defence (FJHD), Oghenejabor Ikimi, in a press statement made available to Nigerian Tribune at the wee hours of Thursday in Warri, Delta State, affirmed that the demise of the publisher was another confirmation of his fears that all material entities were subject to decay after all is said and done.
“With a heavy heart, I commiserate with the Awolowo family and all Awoists in Nigeria and beyond, and I wish them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the Warri-based human rights lawyer, prayed.
A big loss –Kalu
Former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Kalu, has described the demise of the scion of the Awolowo family, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, as a big loss to the nation. In a statement by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, Kalu said he was shocked when he got the news that Chief Awolowo had passed on.
Kalu said: “I am personally pained by the death of my colleague in the media industry.
“He was a forthright man with an unbeatable level of simplicity. He was a patriotic Nigerian who believed in justice, fairness and equity.
“He upheld the legacy of his father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, by fighting for the downtrodden in the society all through his life.
“He was a notable figure and played a significant role in the media industry as the Publisher of Nigerian Tribune by seeing the newspaper to greater heights.”
Kalu said though Chief Oluwole Awolowo would be missed by all, “but we take consolation in the fact that he lived a fruitful life.
“I commiserate with the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Mama HID Awolowo, his family and the Ogun State Government on the death of their illustrious son.
“May his gentle soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
Tragic, unfortunate – Lagos Speaker
The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has described the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, Vice-chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria, Plc, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune newspapers as “ very tragic, sad, and unfortunate.”
In a press statement signed on his behalf by Mr Rotimi Adebayo, his Chief Press Secretary, Ikuforiji declared: “The announcement, late Wednesday night that Chief Oluwole Awolowo passed on at a London hospital is not only tragic, but most unfortunate.”
In his words, “The sudden death of Chief Awolowo, who is the only surviving son of the late sage and former premier of the old Western Region, has come to me as very shocking. It is indeed a very great loss to me, members of my family, all my fellow legislators, the entire management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“ It is even more depressing that Chief Oluwole’s death is coming at a time like this when the entire nation looks up to the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, for her wise counsel in the efforts to free our country from the myriads of the problems it has been facing for some time now,” Ikuforiji continued.
“While it is our wish that Chief Oluwole Awolowo would still be around here much longer than his 70 years on earth, it has, however, pleased the Almighty God to call Him to His side as He has done. And so, as human beings, it is only natural for the demise of Chief Oluwole to evoke a feeling of great loss and sorrow at home and abroad.
“We, however, have no choice other than to resign ourselves to fate and call on the Most High to grant his soul eternal rest.
He state further that “On this very sad occasion therefore, I, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, on behalf of myself, family, all my fellow legislators, the entire management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, condole with our Mama H.I.D. Awolowo, all members of the Awolowo family, the government and people of Ogun State, and the management and staff of the African Newspapers of Nigeria, Plc, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune titles on this irreparable loss.”
Lagos, Osun PDP mourn
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State chapter on Thursday, described the death of publisher of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, as a big loss to the Yoruba people “as many saw the deceased as a ‘photo copy’ of the late Sage, Obafemi Awolowo”.
The party gave the reaction in a condolence message issued and signed by its publicity secretary, Mr Taofeek Gani even as it declared that the immeasurable contributions of the deceased in journalism could also not be over emphasised.
So also, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has described the death of son of publisher of the African Nigerian Newspapers (ANN), Chief Oluwole Awolowo as a great lost and commensurate with Awolowo dynasty and the entire citizenry.
The Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Ola-Oluwa through a press statement issued by the Director of Media and strategy for Osun PDP, Prince Diran Odeyemi said the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo was unfortunate.
“On behalf of the entire leaders and members of PDP in Osun State, we condole with management and staff of Tribune newspapers as well as friends and associates of late Oluwole Awolowo and prayed that Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest”.
He was an entrepreneur par excellence —OkorochaBy Idowu Samuel
IMO State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, expressed his heartfelt condolences to Awolowo’s family and management of Tribune newspapers over the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Ebere Uzoukwa, Governor Okorocha described Chief Awolowo, who until his death was the publisher of Tribune newspapers, as a patriotic Nigerian and entrepreneur, who showed exemplary commitment in sustaining the legacies of his father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He further described his death as “a big blow to the media industry, considering his outstanding contribution and a great loss to the Yorubas and Nigeria as a nation.
“It is a thing of sorrow that we have, again, lost a patriotic Nigerian, an entrepreneur par excellence and somebody who exhibited an exemplary commitment in sustaining the legacies of his father.
“His death is indeed a big blow to the media industry and a great loss to the Yoruba and Nigeria as a nation,” he said.
The governor, however, prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
So, so sad — Agoro
Chairman of Nigerian Action Congress, Dr Olapade Agoro, has described the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, Publisher/Vice Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune, titles as very sad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, in Ibadan, the Aladura patriarch described Chief Awolowo as a kind hearted man who devoted his lifetime to the service of God and humanity.
“He was a true son of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in that just like his father, he was committed to the improvement of the lot of the people. This explains why he was loved by many. To many of us, he was a brother and a friend,” Agoro said.
While praying that God will grant the family as well as the ANN Plc, the fortitude to bear the loss, Agoro said, for Chief Oluwole Awolowo to have died at this time, it means that he had completed his assignment on earth. The Lord gives and takes, blessed be His name forever.”
Lagos Island Club condoles with Awolowo’s family
The Lagos State Island club has expressed its condolences to the family of the sage, Obafemi Awolowo over the death of its scion, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Ademola Dada, the high-flying social club said it received the message of the passing away of the publisher of the Nigeria Tribune titles with profound shock and sadness.
According to him,’’I met Chief Oluwole Awolowo many years ago when my company took a business proposal to the Nigerian Tribune. I was impressed by the warm reception he gave us and his eagerness to help the idea germinate.
“We talked about many other things, including, of course, the current affairs in the country at that time. His understanding of the situation really amazed me and his predictions on how the events would play out could only come from the mouth of a scion of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
‘’Our paths crossed again at the Island Club where,though he was not a regular user, I would find his advice and support invaluable.
“Chief Oluwole Awolowo’s candor, his readiness to help other people and his unbreakable spirit when he pursued a goal he believed in, were all too familiar traits of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the proud son of whom he was.
My condolences go to Mama, Chief H.I.D. Awolowo, his wife and children, his siblings and the entire Nigerian Tribune family. May the soul of Chief Oluwole Awolowo rest in peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment