President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday mourned the death of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s widow, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Awolowo.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President extended condolences to the Awolowo family, especially the children, grand and great-grandchildren on the death of their famed matriarch, just a few weeks to her 100th birthday.
Buhari stated the late HID would be remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage.
The statement read in part, “President Muhammadu Buhari believes that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will always be honoured too for the indelible legacy of very significant, behind-the-scene contributions to communal, state, regional and national development which she has left behind.
“The President prays that God will comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.
“The President also condoled with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who is also an in-law to the Awolowos.”
Also commiserating with the Awolowos was the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Ambode stated he was one of her many followers, who looked forward to celebrating her 100th birthday.
The statement read, “Mama would have clocked 100 on November 25 this year. It was going to be a milestone, not just for her, but for our great country. She was the matriarch of the Awolowo family, a well respected dynasty in the history of Nigeria.
“Mama’s demise at this time is painful, especially coming at a period when Nigeria is gradually enjoying democratic bliss, which her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, fought for till his death.”
Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, also reacted to HID's death.
Mimiko stated that Chief Obafemi Awolowo would not have been the colossus that he was without his significant half especially in the face of unceasing persecutions following his tireless commitment to democracy and the advancement of the African cause.
“As the mother of the Yoruba nation, Mama made invaluable contributions to the Awolowo school of progressive politics encapsulated in the social democratic mantra of ‘Life More Abundant’ during and after the life time of the great sage," he stated.
“She was a rallying point for all Yoruba sons and daughters irrespective of political affiliations as the co-chairman, with the late Ooni of Ife, of the Yoruba Unity Forum, a movement dedicated to the advancement of Yoruba cohesion, progress and advancement within the Nigerian matrix.”
Also, in his official announcement of the passage of the late Obafemi Awolowo’s widow, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described her life as an exemplary one which truly ran its full course.
The statement read, “Mama HID stood by her husband like the Rock of Gibraltar throughout the tough political career of the foremost nationalist and leader of the Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria. She was indeed a ‘jewel of inestimable value’ as was fondly described by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described the death of HID Awolowo, as the loss of the real conscience of the Oodua nation.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose stated Mama Awolowo proved truly that behind a successful man, there must be a good woman.
“The good qualities of a dutiful wife and caring mother shown by Mama are worthy of emulation. She stood solidly by her husband during those trying moments. She showed resilience when it seemed all chips were down.
“Despite her old age and failing health, she never stopped to harp on an egalitarian society, a nation of equity, justice and fairness.”
On his part, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State described the translation of the matriarch of the Awolowo family as the end of an era.
Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, described HID Awolowo as a solid pillar beside the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo when he was alive. He stated that she worked tirelessly to ensure the Awolowo political dynasty remains united.
“Even in death Mama remained a rallying point for the Awolowo political dynasty until her last breath on earth,” he stated.