Senate President David Mark and other personalities on Thursday paid their last respects to the late Chief Oluwole Awolowo at a Lying-in-State service held in Ibadan.
At the ceremony held at the Tribune House, Mark described Awolowo as a personality noted for his immense humility and passion to serve.
He said Awolowo, the former publisher of the Tribune titles, lived a life based on his faith and belief in God, adding that “ this made him a reliable friend.’’
Mark added that all the accomplishments of the Tribune family would not have been possible had the deceased not brought everyone together as a family.
“The news of Awolowo’s death was very painful and difficult for me considering that he was courageous and stood for the truth, even until he drew his last breath.
“He lived a much fulfilled life having died at the appointed time by God and has left for us a legacy, which though, difficult to match, must be sustained.
“One challenge for all of us, whose lives he had touched, is to emulate him by doing those things we can defend before God, our maker,’’ Mark said.
Also speaking, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao, said Awolowo was a very reliable man and a symbol of humility.
“I knew him for over 50 years and in that period, he was a dedicated family man and businessman who was very kind to everyone he came across,’’ Arisekola-Alao said.
Mr Femi Adesina, President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, said that though the late sage’s son was born great, he chose to live a life of simplicity and respect for others.
“One editor once told me that when Awolowo wanted something published in the paper, he would ask; can you please use this for me?
“After you have done it, he would say ` thank you.’ This is commendable and a lesson to all of us in humility,’’ Adesina said.
A board member of the African Newspapers Plc and publishers of the Tribune title, Mr Tayo Fadoju, said Awolowo became the first child of the dynasty to become a publisher in the company.
“He was also the first Awolowo child to become a board member as he lived up to expectations. It is a pity that we will miss him,’’ Fadoju said.
The officiating minister at the service, Very Rev. Opeyemi Awe, urged political leaders to always imbibe the attitude of selfless sacrifice in delivering their mandates.
“You must remember that you will one day give account of your stewardship.
“To be truly unbreakable in your legacies, you must be profound in being totally reliant on God for His grace and strength as we are nothing without Him,’’ Awe said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oyo State governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Adeolu Akande.