Mimiko: Ondo State governor shocked at late HID Awolowo's demise

The governor described the deceased as a supremely intelligent, kind, loving and caring mother of the Yoruba nation.

Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on Saturday expressed shock at the death of Mrs Hannah Awolowo, popularly known as Mama HID Awolowo.

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This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure by the Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Kayode Akinmade.

Mimiko said in the statement that shock was an understatement at the passing of one of the most notable icons of Nigerian history at a time everyone was looking forward to her centenary celebrations.

The governor described the deceased as a supremely intelligent, kind, loving and caring mother of the Yoruba nation.

"Mama, as no one would doubt, remains a Jewel of ‘Inestimable Value’ even in transition to glory.

"It is traditional to recognise the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the greatest Nigerian ever, but Awolowo would not have been the colossus that he was if not for the pillar he had in Mama,” he said.

He noted the support of Mama for Chief Awolowo in his battles against the forces of underdevelopment and tyranny in the face of unceasing persecutions following his tireless commitment to democracy and the advancement of the African cause.

"Mama made invaluable contributions to the Awolowo School of progressive politics encapsulated in the social democratic mantra of 'Life More Abundant' during and after the life time of the great sage," he said.

He further described the late Mrs Awolowo as a rallying point for all Yoruba sons and daughters irrespective of political affiliations as the co-chairman, with the late Ooni of Ife, of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF).

The governor commiserated with the Awolowo family, the Yoruba nation and all Nigerians on the irreparable loss.

Mimiko prayed for a sweet repose for the soul of the deceased.

NAN recalls that Mama HID died in her home in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Saturday.

She was born in Nov. 25, 1915 to a modest family in Ikenne and would have celebrated her 100 years on Nov. 25.