Former head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and the representatives of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, were among the early callers on Friday at the Ikenne country home of the Awolowos to condole with the family on the death of their matriarch, Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID).
HID Awolowo died last Saturday around 3.15pm at her Ikenne home, 67 days to her centenary birthday.
Also present to pay their condolences to the family were the foremost businessman, Oba Otudeko, wife of late Chief Alex Ibru, Maiden, and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.
Shonekan, on his part described HID Awolowo “as a loyal and a forthright woman, not only to her husband, but to the country as a whole.”
He stated both of them left indelible lessons, which people could emulate.
Oba Odulana, expressed his shock and sadness over the death of HID Awolowo, adding that he was looking forward to her centenary birthday, in order to welcome her to the club of centenarians, which he already belonged.
Oba Odulana, who sent a powerful delegation led by Osi Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, stated in his condolence message, “Mama was a woman of great wisdom and courage who lived a good life. She was a good ambassador of womenfolk in Nigeria.
“Her death is a great loss not only to her family but to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.”
Maiden Ibru stated Mama was “a mother to all; you were indeed blessed.”
Oba Otudeko noted that the deceased lived a full life and she was an embodiment of Christian love, piety, wisdom and patience “with which she fought and overcame life challenges.”
Senator Murray-Bruce, who came in company of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, bemoaned the nation’s lack of adequate documentation of its heroes and heroines.
He stated both Papa and Mama Awolowo had made invaluable contributions in the political arena, stressing that one of their outstanding programmes was the free education.
“How I wish we could document the contributions of Mama HID Awolowo. It was due to lack of adequate information on Chief MKO Abiola that made the students of the University of Lagos to revolt when the institution was to be renamed Moshood Abiola University.
“It still pains me that that dream was not realised.”
Nollywood stars, who also paid a condolence visit to the Awolowos, included Dele Odule, Bolaji Amusan, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Peju Omobolanle, and Antar Laniyan.
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