The death of Mrs. Tola Oyediran, the eldest daughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has been described as a sad event by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary of the Governor, Kunle Somorin, in Abeokuta on Friday, the Governor said the death had thrown the entire state into mourning.
He described the late Oyediran as not only an embodiment of modesty and virtues, saying that she exhibited independent-mindedness, vision and managerial acumen in all tasks thrusted upon her.
“She was also a great Nigerian in her own way and stood as a rock of Gibraltar behind her very successful medical doctor husband and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof A.B.O. Oyediran.
Her accomplishments as a homemaker can only be an irreparable loss and also a very traumatic departure for her immediate and extended family members.
“Mrs Oyediran was a key figure during her father’s travail as a political figure and after the death of Papa and Mama Awolowo.
“Her role in holding the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Chairman of the African Newspaper of Nigeria, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune, titles and family businesses are a testament to business acumen and sincere love for her iconic parents , ” he said.
Thanking God that Oyediran dedicated her days on earth as a business leader and pastor to serving God and humanity, Abiodun prayed for the salvation of her soul and begged the Almighty to give the family and associates the strength to bear the loss.
Nigeria’s News Agency records that Oyediran passed away at around noon on Friday, October 16, aged 79.
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