Segun Awolowo, grandson of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died on Thursday at the age of 62.
His family announced his passing in a deeply emotional statement, describing him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather” whose life was defined by loyalty, service, humility and love.
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As of the time of publication, no cause of death has been disclosed.
The family said it would receive condolences at his residence between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
A Life Shaped by Loss, Service, and Legacy
Born on September 27, 1963, Segun Awolowo entered the world under circumstances marked by profound tragedy.
His father, Segun Awolowo Sr., died in a car accident two months before his birth. News of the fatal crash was delivered to his grandfather, Obafemi Awolowo, while he was imprisoned in Calabar, facing a treason trial instituted by the Tafawa Balewa government. The newborn thus became both a symbol of loss and a quiet anchor of continuity for a family navigating political persecution and personal grief.
Raised primarily by his aunt, Tola Oyediran, and her husband, Kayode Oyediran, Segun’s formative years were shaped by close-knit family bonds. He began his education at Mayhill Convent School, attending alongside Dolapo Osinbajo, before moving on to Igbobi College, Lagos, and later Government College, Ibadan. He earned his LLB from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) and was called to the bar in December 1989.
His legal career saw him work with respected law firms such as Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and G.O.K. Ajayi & Co. However, it was in public service that he would leave his most enduring mark. He served as Special Assistant in the administrations of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, focusing on traditional institutions, legal matters and social development.
In 2013, he was appointed Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), a role he retained through reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. He became the longest-serving head of the agency. Under his leadership, NEPC intensified efforts to expand Nigeria’s non-oil exports, including a landmark 2019 partnership with Shoprite to put Nigerian products on shelves across Africa.
By 2021, he was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) of ECOWAS member states, a position he held until his death.
A Nation Mourns: Tributes Pour In
President Bola Tinubu expressed “deep sadness” at his passing, calling it a tragic loss “not only to the Awolowo family, but also to the entire country.”
The President said Segun “exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour,” praising his diligence and historic tenure at the NEPC. Tinubu extended condolences to his wife, children, the Awolowo family and his mother, Sisi Abah Folawiyo.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described Awolowo as a “fine gentleman” whose death was both a public and personal loss. He highlighted his integrity, warmth and excellence in public service, noting that his leadership at NEPC and his emergence as ECOWAS TPOs President reflected his credibility and capacity.
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hailed him as an exceptional patriot who served with vision and dedication. He described the death as an unexpected and painful national loss, praying for strength for the Awolowo family and eternal rest for the deceased.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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