Olusegun Awolowo, grandson of the late Western Region Premier Obafemi Awolowo, has passed away at the age of 62. His family confirmed the sad news in a statement released on Thursday.
“With extreme heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather- Olusegun Awolowo,” the family wrote in the statement.
“He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather; steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family. A painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment.
“He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being. He loved his family. He loved his work. He loved his country. And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
The statement also noted that the family will be open to receiving “condolences at his residence” between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
Who Was Segun Awolowo?
Olusegun Awolowo Jr., born on 27 September 1963, was a respected Nigerian lawyer widely recognized for his leadership as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), a position he held from 2013 to 2021.
A direct descendant of the renowned statesman Obafemi Awolowo, he continued the family’s legacy of public service and national development. In July 2021, he was further honored when he was unanimously chosen as President of the National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) within the ECOWAS region.
His early years were shaped by profound personal tragedy, as his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., passed away in a car accident in 1963, just two months before his birth. Following this loss, he was raised primarily by his aunt, Tola Oyediran, and her husband, Kayode Oyediran, although he also spent part of his childhood living with his mother and siblings.
Educational Background
Olusegun Awolowo Jr. began his early education at Mayhill Convent School, where he was schoolmates with Dolapo Osinbajo. He went on to attend Igbobi College in Lagos and later completed his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan. He furthered his studies at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), where he obtained his LLB degree.
After being called to the bar in December 1989, Mr. Awolowo built his legal foundation working with several distinguished law firms, including Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and G.O.K. Ajayi & Co., gaining valuable experience that shaped his professional career.
Segun Awolowo’s Professional Journey
Segun Awolowo’s career in public service spanned several key roles across multiple administrations. He served as a Special Assistant under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, where he worked closely on matters involving traditional institutions and legal affairs.
He also held important positions within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), including Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport.
In 2013, he was appointed Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), a role he continued in after being reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. During his tenure, he championed several strategic initiatives, most notably a 2019 partnership with Shoprite aimed at expanding the distribution of Nigerian products across Africa.
Under his leadership, the NEPC focused heavily on strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and enhancing the nation’s participation in global trade.
What Was The Cause Of His Death?
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) for ECOWAS member states, a role that underscored his influence in regional trade development.
However, as of this report, the family has not released any information regarding the cause of his death.
National Leaders Mourn Olusegun Awolowo
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Olusegun Awolowo, the grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the Awolowo family through a statement released 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 the death of Awolowo at 62 as “unfortunate and a tragic loss not only to the Awolowo family, but also to the entire country.”
The President praised Awolowo for upholding the legacy of his family, saying: “Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.
He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest-serving executive director of the agency in history.”
Tinubu added, “My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo. I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu Pays Tribute
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also mourned the passing of Olusegun Awolowo, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian who served his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said: “It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, who served his country passionately. He was also a good ambassador of the Awolowo family.
On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, as well as friends and associates of the deceased. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Olusegun Awolowo eternal rest.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Condolence Message
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Awolowo’s death as a profound shock, emphasizing that he embodied the finest qualities of public service.
In his message, Abiodun said the late lawyer was “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant.” He added: “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.
We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow. His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose.”
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