Funeral Service for Segun Awolowo, Grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Draws High-Profile Dignitaries

Funeral Service for Segun Awolowo, Grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Draws High-Profile Dignitaries

The funeral service for Segun Awolowo, grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, took place on Friday with the attendance of prominent dignitaries. The solemn event was held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos State, bringing together family, friends, and associates to pay their last respects.

Notable attendees included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife Toyin, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

In a tribute delivered by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, the President’s representative, Tinubu praised Awolowo’s dedication to Nigeria, highlighting his service from his early days as a Special Assistant to the President to his leadership roles at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. Tinubu emphasized that Awolowo’s commitment to national progress and his role in the African Continental Free Trade Area underscored his belief in a prosperous Nigeria and Africa built on collaboration and trade. He described him as a family man, kind and gentle, who connected with people on both emotional and intellectual levels.

Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu shared photos from the event on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Awolowo carried his family’s esteemed legacy with grace and forged his own path. “He served Nigeria with quiet strength, steady conviction, and a rare commitment to his ideals. My thoughts are with his wife, Adebola, his children, and the entire Awolowo family,” Sanwo-Olu wrote.

In a separate post, Bukola Saraki eulogized Awolowo as “the very definition of a good man,” praising his impeccable character and profound influence. “Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing he lived a life of purpose and service. He will be dearly missed,” Saraki stated.

The event was also attended by other prominent figures, including former Governors James Ibori (Delta), Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), alongside Anglican bishops, traditional and religious leaders, and industry captains.