Olusegun Awolowo, grandson of the late Nigerian nationalist and statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has died at the age of 62. The former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) passed away on Thursday, the Awolowo family announced.
In a statement, the family described him as a devoted husband, father, and public servant who served Nigeria with “vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment.” They said he lived “with purpose, humility and a generous spirit,” adding that his death had left them “shattered” but grateful for his life and legacy.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, expressed sadness over the news, calling Awolowo’s death a “deeply profound personal loss.” He described the deceased as “a gentleman par excellence” and “a consummate public servant,” noting that the news came as a shock.
Abiodun highlighted Awolowo’s career, including his call to the Bar in 1989 and his work with notable law firms before joining the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He also served as Executive Director/CEO of the NEPC from 2013 to 2021 and was elected President of National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member states in 2021.
The governor said Awolowo’s life was marked by resilience, noting that he was born two months after his father’s death but rose to become an accomplished figure in public service.
He extended condolences to the Awolowo family, praying for comfort and strength for them, and for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
