HID Awolowo died on September 19 and was today interred beside her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, inside the 28 –year- old Awo’s Mausoleum located within the sprawling Awolowo’s compound in Ikenne.
Others who were in Ikene to pay their last respect wer Aliko Dangote, the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governor Ibikunle Amosun, Wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; wife of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Governor Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Governor Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Governor Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Governor Mohammed Bingo (Adamawa); and Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo).
Others are Minster of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Environment Mrs. Amina Mohammed and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The list also includes: former Governors Lateef Jakande (Lagos); Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); Olagunsoye Oyinlola; as well as businessmen Aliko Dangote, Oba Otudeko and Chief Shubomi Balogun. APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Sen. Gbenga Kaka, Chief Dipo Shonibare, wife of the Vice President and the late Mrs. Awolowo’s grand-daughter, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and Iyalode Alaba Lawson.
Speaking to a gathering of family members, friends, associates and other prominent Nigerians, President Buhari said that the deceased deserved the attention she was receiving from home and abroad, adding that she effectively took care of the home front while her husband was busy around the country and throughout the world.
“Let me appreciate those who have come to participate in this ceremony. When I was in the car, I discussed it with the Governor of Ogun state that the late Mrs. Awolowo and all the nation is doing for her.
“While chief was all over the country and the world, she was effectively managing the family. So, she earned this. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
“And for you that have for weeks been gathering friends, associates and facing all the logistic problems day and night, I congratulate you for a very successful burial of the late Mrs. Awolowo
“I came back last evening from Iran and I had to make sure I do not miss the last rites for Mrs. Awolowo because she earned it.
“This is the third time I have been here and I hope the family will try and continue to hold together as they have been doing.”
Speaking earlier, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state expressed delight at the presence of the president in Ikenne, noting that it was an honour not only to Mama H.I.D, her family and womenfolk but to the whole of Yoruba race and the nation.
Speaking for the family, the eldest child of Awolowo, Mrs. Oyediran welcomed the president to Awolowo’s house and thanked him for the honour.
She said there had been outpouring of love on the late matriarch of the Awolowo family everywhere they had been to as a demonstration of how well loved she was.
“Judging by the life that mama led, little did we know that she was so loved by all Nigerians and you all have demonstrated it this afternoon. So, we warmly welcome you into our midst.”
While thanking the president and various state governors in the south west who have been part burial activities, she stated: “You have been extremely wonderful to this family.
“When we got to Lagos, we thought that was it. When we got to Ibadan, it was a complete standstill and when we got to Ogun, the governor was dancing with us all the way from Shagamu to ikenne with all the beautiful ladies with us here this afternoon.”
“So, I want to thank you and to use this opportunity to wish your government progress and the good work which you have started, I pray that the good Lord will continue to support you and you will not fail in Jesus name. We all believe that there will be a change.” [myad]
