Eminent Nigerians gathered for the funeral service of Segun Awolowo, the grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, on Friday.
The death of Awolowo, former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, was announced by his family on November 20. He was 62 years old.
The roll call of high-profile Nigerians at the funeral included Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented President Bola Tinubu; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Others included former governors James Ibori (Delta), Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), alongside various Anglican bishops and priests, traditional and religious leaders, and captains of industry.
The service took place at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, in Lagos State.
In his tribute, Gbajabiamila recounted Awolowo’s dedication to national service.
He said: “Segun served Nigeria with exceptional passion and unending dedication.
“His latter service as Secretary of the National Committee for the African Continental Free Trade Area underscored his belief in a future for Nigeria and Africa built on trade, collaboration, and shared prosperity.
“He was a family man, a kind and gentle man who spoke to people’s hearts just as well as he did to their minds.”
On his part, Saraki described Awolowo as the “very definition of a good man.”
“His character was impeccable, and his influence was profound. Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing he lived a life of purpose and service. He will be dearly missed,” Saraki wrote.