President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday described the death of Oluwole, son of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as sad and painful.
This came as sympathisers on Thursday thronged the Ikenne home of the former Premier of the defunct Western Region to condole with Hannah, the matriarch of the family.
Oluwole, 70, until his death on Wednesday at the Wellington Hospital, St. Johnswood, London, was the Publisher/ Vice-Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune newspapers.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President noted that Oluwole was a distinguished evangelist, humanist and community leader.
He described the deceased as a worthy and honoured member of the Awolowo dynasty, who diligently served God and humanity to the best of his abilities.
The statement read, “President Jonathan commended Chief Awolowo’s steadfast, life-long commitment to upholding, maintaining and continually improving the Tribune newspapers, which ensured that the Nigerian Tribune and its sister publications have remained an objective voice of reason in Nigeria’s media space and continue to offer invaluable services to the nation.
“It is not a mean feat to have sustained the Tribune newspapers over the years.”
Meanwhile, symphatisers were in groups discussing the incident while the other siblings of the deceased, Omotola Oyediran and Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu received visitors.
Among the early callers to the home of the Awolowos were the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and his wife, Olufunke; Alakene of Ikenne-Remo, Oba Adeyinka Onakade; representatives of the Ooni of Ife, led by Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Elijah Adegoke; Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Justice Owolabi Sonoiki (rtd) and Chief GOK Ajayi and his wife.
Others were Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd.), Prince Bola Ajibola, Prof. Timothy Ogunlesi and the Ogun State Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Alhaji Abimbola Awofeso.
Representative of the President, who is his Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, described the deceased as a great Nigerian.
Douglas in the condolence register wrote,” A great son of Nigeria is gone. Adieu our leader and brother.”
Ogun Governor Ibikunle Amosun described the death as “a rude shock”.
Amosun, in the condolence register wrote, “I really do not know what to say or write. Despite our grief, we thank the good Lord. He gives and takes. We cannot question or query God.”
Daniel through his media aide, Adegbenro Adebanjo, described the deceased as a peace builder and an unassuming leader.
He added that the deceased contributed his quota to the society.
The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Adegbenga Kaka, said the deceased was a gentle man, who was kind to all.
Lawmaker representing Egbado South/Ipokia in the House of Representatives, Abiodun Akinlade, said the deceased led a good life.
Ajayi, Femi Okurounmu and Anthony Adefuye, described the death as sad.
The Bishop of Remo Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd Olusina Fape, said the death was a great loss to him and the diocese.
source..punchng
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