A delegation of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation headed by former Head of states, General Yakubu Gowon, on Thursday morning visited the Ikenne home of the Awolowo family to condole with them on the death of their matrirach, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo.
The delegation which include; Prince Bola Ajibola, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Prof. O .O Akinkungbe, Chief Richard Okafor, Prof Funmi Soetan, Pa Olanihu Ajayi, Mr Olatomiwa Ashaolu among others were received into the Efunyela Hall within the Awolowo’s sprawling compound by Mama’s daughters – Mrs Omotola Oyediran and Dr Tokunbo Awolowo – Dosunmu, a member of the Foundation.
Addressing the family, Gowon said the foundation was quite sad about the passing away of HID Awolowo, describing her as a great and distinguished woman.
The ex – head of states who said he flew into Nigeria from London on account of HID’s death, added that the late matriarch of Awolowo family and Yeye Odua loved him and his wife, Victoria.
Gowon revealed that were it not for Mama, he would not have been able to convince her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo to join his government as Finance Commissioner.
While fielding questions from reporters, he urged Nigerians to be patient with President Mohammadu Buhari and his new government, expressing the confidence that Buhari would make Nigeria great and proud again.
He said the country is a complex one to govern, adding that he needed time, support and the patience of Nigerians to make things right.
Still on the condolence visit, he noted that Mama stood solidly behind her husband through his political travails and also effectively manned the home front that enabled Papa Awolowo achieves great things in life.
Gowon said: “we bring you greetings, we are on condolence visit by members of the Awolowo Foundation, and individually members have made contact with the family, paid courtesy call to the family of this great lady and matriarch of the Awolowo family. We are, and to pay our condolence to you on the passing away of such a great person.
“The Foundation is very sad about the passing away of Mama, a very dear person to us and who has distinguished herself over the years. She stood with Papa when he tried and incarcerated, I make sure that he was – united with Mama.
“Let me make it known that it was through Mama that I got the consent and service of Pa Awolowo to join my government as Finance Commission and Economic Planning during the trying moment of our nation’s history.
“And you all know what he did to ensure that we survived in that period of crisis in Nigeria, if Mama had not given her support, Papa Awolowo would not have served at that time. Mama was exceptionally good, she stood behind her husband in thick and thin, in good times and bad times. Her advice, love and taken good care of the home front helped Papa achieved all that he achieved in life
“When I flew from London to Nigeria, the first person I called was my wife to tell about the death of Mama, she was very sad and disturbed because Mama was nice and good to us.
“She always enquired how Victoria was my wife, but there is nothing we can do now, we were already planning and expecting the 100years birthday celebration. I thought she should make it to the 100 years so that we can dance the extraordinary dance, Owambe dance for the centenary birth and she replied me if the good LORD will.
“God will make sure she finds a place in heaven because Mama was great woman of faith. Accept our sincere sympathy; God who made her knows why she called her home at this time. We will hold Mama and Papa Awolowo together in one Foundation to make sure that the memory of these great people is kept.”
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