Grandson of Nigeria’s iconic nationalist and former Western Region Premier, “the Sage”, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Olusegun Awolowo Jr. has died.
The 62-year-old lawyer and trade advocate passed away on Thursday, 20 November, 2025, just two months after marking his birthday.
The Awolowo family, in a statement, confirmed the news, describing his departure as a profound void in their lives and the nation.”With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather – Olusegun Awolowo,” the Awolowo family statement read in part.
“He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family. A painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment. He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being,” the statement added.
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement added.
Segun Awolowo’s life began under a shadow of tragedy as he entered the world two months after his father, Olusegun Awolowo Sr., perished in a car accident on the Ibadan-Lagos road at age 25. His mother is the socialite Abah Folawiyo.
Segun Awolowo carved a niche in public administration, blending legal acumen with economic diplomacy.His career zenith came as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2021, the longest tenure in the agency’s history.
Under his stewardship, NEPC championed non-oil exports, fostering policies that empowered local producers, unlocked global markets, and bolstered Nigeria’s trade footprint amid economic diversification drives.
Earlier, he served as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Traditional Institutions and Legal Matters, and later under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as Secretary for Social Development and Transport.
Tributes poured in from across Nigeria’s political and business spheres. President Bola Tinubu, via a statement, called the loss “unfortunate and tragic,” praising Segun as a “scion of the Awolowo family” who “exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour.”
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, said Segun’s passage was a “profound personal loss,. It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone… He rose above life’s challenges to become an icon in his own right.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, mourned a “great mind and ambassador of the family.”
Segun, who was married to a lawyer, Bola Awolowo, leaves behind his wife, children — including a son who is also a lawyer — and grandchildren. The cause of death remains undisclosed, with sources describing it as “sudden”.
Leave a Reply