JUST IN: Segun Awolowo, grandson of former Western Region Premier passes away
Mr. Segun Awolowo Jr., a grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the Western Region, has passed away at the age of 62.
The Awolowo family announced his death on Thursday, describing him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father, and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.”
The statement further hailed him as “a painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, dedicating his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment. He was a true family man, a great friend, a devoted servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being.”
Born on September 27, 1963, Segun Awolowo Jr. began his education at Mayhill Convent School and later attended Igbobi College, Lagos, before completing his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan. He earned his LLB degree from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago Iwoye.
Following his call to the bar in December 1989, he worked with the law firms of Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co. He later served in various capacities in the federal government, including as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence, and Legal Matters under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Between 2007 and 2011, he was Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja. Under President Goodluck Jonathan, he served as Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Awolowo Jr.’s death as “a deeply profound personal loss” and expressed shock at the news. He remembered him as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant” whose affable nature and intelligence endeared him to many.
Governor Abiodun reflected on Awolowo Jr.’s resilience, noting that despite losing his father before birth, he overcame life’s challenges to become an influential figure in his own right. “His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful,” he added.
The governor extended condolences to Awolowo Jr.’s wife, children, the entire Awolowo family, and Nigerians, praying for strength and comfort in the wake of the loss. “May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose,” he concluded.
