…Mama’s Virtues Will Remain Indelible In Our Hearts, He Says
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday expressed shock and sadness over the death of Chief Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Mama Awolowo, popularly known as HID Awolowo passed on at the age of 99 at her country home in Ikenne, Ogun State on Saturday shortly after a meeting.
The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna said he was one of mama’s many followers looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday, which was just few months away.
“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”.
“We however take solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life. We celebrate her for what she stood for, uniting the Yoruba race for a common course and keeping her family together since the demise of her husband”.
“She was the pillar behind Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies. She was the backbone of the brand of progressive ideas that defined the politics of the South West in the First Republic and in subsequent Republics”, the Governor recalled.
The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul, urging her family to draw strength from the legacies she stood for while she was alive.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos state, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Mama Awolowo, the people of Ogun state and Nigerians on this great and irreparable loss”, he said.