Among the eminent personalities were politicians, former Head of State, Ernest Shonekan, religious leaders, and representatives of traditional rulers. Those present included the wife of the Vice President, a grand-child of the deceased, Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Justice Tokunbo Olopade, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, General Tunji Olurin and the state’s Deputy Governor, Yetunde Onanuga.
Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Suraj Adekambi, cleric, Pastor William Kumuyi, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, and Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed.
Muscic maestro, Chief Ebenezer Obey, led other notable musicians, including Tope Alabi, Ayan Jesu, Adewale Ayuba, Sefiu Alao and Haruna Ishola, among others, to add colour to the event with their sonorous songs.
The state government had declared yesterday a day of celebration for the deceased, who it considers as an icon, who did not only contribute immensely to human and physical development of the state in particular but also the country as a whole.
All the eminent personalities who spoke poured encomium on the late Awolowo, whom they described as an excellent woman of great virtue, worthy of emulation.
Sonekan said, “she was a priceless woman to her husband. She was not only a virtous woman but a pillar of support to him. Even after 28 years of her husband’s death, she stood for his ideals. She was a woman of great wisdom with exemplary character, yet simple. There is no doubt that she left an indelible mark in the sand of time.”
For Adebanjo, “whatever can be said about the exploits of Pa Awolowo, without his wife he couldn’t have achieved such. We are celebrating mama because of the wonderful roles she played after the death of her husband.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Olaoluwa told the crowd, “we (government) planned to host the whole world in Ikenne during her birthday but destiny did not allow it.”
The state Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, in his speech described her as a rare gem, who lived for humanity and played a great role in Awolowo’s (her husband) political stability. The greatest legacy we can live for mama is for all of us to copy her virtues and attitudes. If we do all those things she stood for, she would be happy wherever she is. She was an example of womanhood.”
The governor announced that for her selfless service to humanity, his administration had decided to name one of the modern estates in Abeokuta, the state capital after her and also the government’s Model School in Ikenne, would henceforth be called HID Awolowo Model School.
