Soyinka and Mama HID Awolowo

Professor Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State have joined other prominent Nigerians to mourn Chief Mrs HID Awolowo who died today.

Soyinka said: “An Era recedes. As solace, it leaves in its wake a treasured privilege for those who knew her, who experienced her indomitable spirit at first hand, and drank from her depthless fount of family embrace.”

Also, Governor Oshiomhole described the late HID as an avatar and a “pillar of Christian propriety and fountain of humanism, who was always eager to dispense goodwill to all”.
He said this in a condolence message to the family of the late political sage in particular, the governor and people of Ogun state in general, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria. He added: “The Awolowo family and indeed the good people of Ogun State and Nigeria have lost a good woman, the compass of the Awolowo family, the towering figure who stood behind her children, an enigma who ensured that the name of Chief Obafemi Awolowo continued to ring out loud, long after his exit. Although Mama was advanced in age, we appreciate the depth of the grief of her children and family, knowing how affectionately close and tightly-knitted the family is. Our hearts are with the family at this difficult period.”

Oshiomhole added: “I wish to convey to my brother, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and indeed the good people of Ogun State the deepest condolence of the people and Government of Edo State as well as my personal commiseration on this sad loss. Our consolation is the cherished memories of her worthy sojourn on earth and her indelible legacies as a wife, a mother, the ‘jewel of inestimable value’ who upheld the Awolowo family name till the end, a woman never mired in controversy, an avatar. I pray God to lay His consoling hand on the entire Awolowo family even as we join in prayers to our Heavenly Father to grant her soul eternal rest in His bosom.”