In a blow that reverberates through Nigeria’s political and business corridors, Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr., grandson of the legendary nationalist Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has passed away at 62. His death was confirmed by the Awolowo family in a statement released on Thursday.
A Pillar Falls
The family’s message was unambiguous and drenched in sorrow: “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather — Olusegun Awolowo.” According to them, he was a man defined by consistency — “steady, wise, endlessly loving,” the unshakeable heartbeat of his clan.
More than a family man, his legacy is national. He was described as “a painfully loyal servant to Nigeria,” committed to public service with “vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment.”
The Statesman’s Grandson
Born on 27 September 1963, Segun came into the world just two months after his father died in a car accident. He studied law, graduating with an LLB from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), and was called to the Bar in December 1989.
From there, he threw himself into public service. During President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, Segun served as a Special Assistant on traditional institutions, legal due diligence, and governance matters. Later, under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he held significant roles as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport (2007–2011).
Export Champion, Regional Leader
Perhaps his most visible role came in 2013 when he became Executive Director / CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) — a position he held until 2021. Under his watch, NEPC pushed aggressively for economic diversification, championing non-oil exports across agriculture, manufacturing, and minerals.
In July 2021, his peers in the West African business ecosystem recognized his leadership: he was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) for ECOWAS member states.
He continued his regional economic advocacy, and in 2023, he was appointed Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), helping guide Nigeria’s engagement within the continent’s emerging unified market.
Tributes Pour In
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow, calling Segun’s death “a tragic loss not only to the Awolowo family but to the entire country.” The president praised him as the living embodiment of the Awolowo pedigree, citing his dedication to justice and his remarkable public service career.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also mourned the late statesman, describing him as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant.” He remembered Segun as affable, highly intelligent, easy-going, and deeply committed to national progress.
Legacy Beyond Politics
Beyond public office, Segun was a family man to the core. The Awolowo family described him as “a true family man, a great friend, a devoted servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being.”
He leaves behind a wife, children, and grandchildren — all of whom regarded him as an anchor, a stabilizing force, and a symbol of what the Awolowo name represents.
As the nation reflects on the passing of one of its prominent public servants, Segun Awolowo Jr. will be remembered not merely as the grandson of a nationalist icon, but as a leader who carved his own path and left an imprint that will outlive him.