Pascal Arogorn Ibe
…..Buhari, Tinubu mourn
The eldest daughter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo , Reverend Tola Oyediran, is dead.
The former Nigerian Tribune chairman reportedly died in her sleep.
Revd Oyediran was married to Professor A. B. O. O. Oyediran, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
A statement signed by the family reads: “The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Professor Olukayode Oyediran regret to announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of his wife of 57 years, Mrs Omotola Olubunmi Oyediran.
“Mrs Oyediran was the first daughter of the late Chief Obafemi and Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. She was a very loving, kind and generous mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty.
“She had a very large family because her heart was large, and her embrace wide. She was a friend of the poor, needy and downtrodden. They called her “Iya Alanu Oke Bola.
“She was full of positive energy. She will be remembered with great affection and sorely missed. Born in 1940, Revd Oyediran, 79, was expected to mark her 80th birthday December 1.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
According to a source. Revd Oyediran “sleeps well, eats well. She told me she was travelling to London on Sunday, and that she will call me when she gets there.
“The issue she had was as a result of old age, not health-related as such.
“Mama died as chairman of ANN Plc (publishers of the Nigerian Tribune. She assumed the position again on January 1, 2020, after she first served her first tenure between 2016 and 2017
Her death leaves Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu as the only surviving child of the Awolowo dynasty.
It will be recalled that HID Awolowo, died on 19th September 2015, barely two months to her 100th birthday just as late Revd Oyediran died 16th October 2020, barely two months to her 80th birthday.
Buhari Mourns
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has sent his condolences to the family of late Premier of the Western Region and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo over the passing of Revd Tola Oyediran, eldest daughter of the sage.
President Buhari also commiserated with friends and associates of Revd Oyediran, particularly her only surviving sister, Mrs Tokunbo Awolowo, over the sad loss, urging the family to take solace in the investments of the deceased in making life better for others.
The President in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Friday prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort all her loved ones.
Tinubu mourns
Sen. Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has commiserated with the family of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, over the death of their eldest child, Mrs Tola Oyediran.
PM NEWS notes that at the time of death, Mrs Oyediran was aged 79 years.
Tinubu’s condolence is contained in a statement issued by his Media aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, on Friday in Lagos.
Oyediran, fondly called Mama Ibadan, until her death was the Chairman, Board of Directors of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), Publishers of the Tribune.
Reports say Oyediran did not give any signs of illness just before death took her away
The APC leader described the deceased as a humble, amiable and graceful person whose disposition endeared her to many.
Tinubu condoled with all those she left behind, especially the entire Awolowo and Oyediran families.
“She represented the Awolowo family positively through her excellent moral conduct and shared her father’s welfarist political philosophy.
“As the Chairman, Board of Directors of Tribune Newspapers, she helped take the Tribune titles to a new height through her emphasis on professionalism and integrity in all their editorial offerings,” he said
The former governor of Lagos also extended his condolences to the governors of Ogun and Oyo states, Dapo Abiodun and Seyi Makinde, respectively, as well as the government and people of the two states over the demise of their illustrious daughter.
“I pray God to grant the soul of late Mrs Oyediran eternal rest,” he said.
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