Tinubu Mourns Segun Awolowo, Says Nigeria Has Lost “A Distinguished Son”

ByNewsmakers

Nov 20, 2025 #Olusegun Awolowo, #Olusegun Awolowo biography, #Olusegun Awolowo death

The late Olusegun Awolowo

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Olusegun Awolowo, grandson of the late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Awolowo, a lawyer and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), died at the age of 62.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the news as heartbreaking, noting that the loss is “not only to the Awolowo family, but also to the entire country.”

The President hailed the late Awolowo as a worthy custodian of the iconic Awolowo legacy.

“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice,” President Tinubu said.

He lauded Awolowo’s contributions to national development, particularly during his eight-year tenure (2013–2021) as Executive Director of the NEPC, where he became the longest-serving helmsman in the agency’s history.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to his widow, children, and mother, Sisi Abah Folawiyo, as well as to the governments and people of Ogun State, the South-West, and Nigeria at large.

“My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo,” he said. “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.”

Awolowo’s passing has sent shockwaves across political, business, and cultural circles, with tributes pouring in for a man widely regarded as a torchbearer of one of Nigeria’s most influential families.