Mama HID Awolowo is dead. She died yesterday at the ripe age of 99.
Amid his travails before the Code of Conduct Tribunal which has ordered his arrest, Senate President Bukola Saraki took time out to pay a glowing tribute to the woman who stood by her husband Chief Obafemi Awolowo while he fought to ensure the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
Read Saraki’s tribute below:
I have been enthusiastically looking forward to making a big but surprise visit to Ikenne, Ogun State to be part of the Centenary birthday celebration of Mama H.I. D. Awolowo, knowing that she is the last woman standing among the wives and mothers who truly contributed by supporting their spouses in laying the foundation for our nation building. To think that she will not be there during the period of the celebration, which is just about two months away, makes me sad, in spite of her ripe age filled with achievements.
Mama Awolowo truly distinguished herself among her contemporaries and not only because she lived longer but because she served God and humanity to the end. Even as a nonagenarian, she kept on hosting different fora and contributing to ideas on the unity of the Yoruba people in particular and Nigeria in general. She was an epitome of a good wife and mother and I have no doubt that as she reunites with her darling Husband, Pa Obafemi Awolowo, she would have good account to give of how far she had held forte in the absence of the late sage.
On behalf of my family and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Awolowo family, the government and people of Ogun State and Nigeria in general on the death of this of this great woman. They should all take solace in the fact that Mama lived a good life. May her soul rest in peace