Jonathan, Mark, Govs Pay Tribute To Late Wole Awolowo

Condolences have continued to flood the home of the Awolowos in Ogun State, following the demise on Wednesday of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, son of the first Premier of the western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and publisher of the TRIBUNE Newspapers.
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described the death of the Publisher as sad and painful, saying he was a distinguished evangelist, humanist and community leader.
The president who spoke through his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati described Awolowo as a worthy and honoured member of the Awolowo dynasty who diligently served God and humanity to the best of his abilities.
The statement made available to LEADERSHIP reads in part: “President Jonathan commended Chief Awolowo’s steadfast, life-long commitment to upholding, maintaining and continually improving the Tribune newspapers which ensured that the Nigerian Tribune and its sister publications have remained an objective voice of reason in Nigeria’s media space and continue to offer invaluable services to the nation.”
Senate President, David Mark, in his condolence, lamented the death of the Publisher, describing his death as a painful exit. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said the late media guru was an erudite administrator, who lived a Godly life with love and passion for humanity.
Mark said, “I recall with nostalgia the tenacity of purpose portrayed by late Evangelist Oluwole. He never discriminated against friends, workers and even relations.
When the mantle of leadership fell on his shoulder even at early stage of life, he stood firm and made a greater impact. The Unbreakable as fondly called by associates, has passed on.
We are pained and saddened but what can we do.
“This is purely the will of God Almighty as death is an inevitable end of all mortals. We have once again lost a rare gem, kind, considerate and selfless Nigerian.” Mark lamented.”
State governors in their condolences described the death as a national loss.  Ogun State governor, Chief Ibikunle Amosun described the death as a big loss.
Amosun, in a statement issued by, his Senior Special Assistant on Media,  Mrs Funmi Wakama said the death  was a sad occurrence which had thrown the  state into mourning.
The governor said the fact that the deceased  was survived by his mother, Mrs Hannah Awolowo, made the departure of the Second Republic legislator more painful.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also expressed shock on the death of the Publisher.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Fayemi regretted that death has robbed the Awolowo clan of a shinning star who had been a motivator of the family since the demise of the patriarch, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The governor stressed that the loss became more painful by the fact that the family was yet to fully recover from the death of Oluwole’s sister, Mrs. Ayodele Soyode, who passed on less than two years ago.
The Kwara State governor, Alh Abdulfatah Ahmed described the death of the Publisher/Vice Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Publishers of the Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo as sad, unfortunate and shocking.
Ahmed noted in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said that the death of  Awolowo at the age of 70 years was painful as it was at an age  that Nigeria could still tap from his fountain of wisdom
Ondo State governor, Mr. Olusegun Mimiko expressed shock over  the death of Chief Awolowo, the son of the  late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Also paying tribute to the deceased, the former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani–Kayode  said, “ I was informed about the passing of my dear egbon Chief Oluwole Awolowo. He was a wonderful man and such a kind and gentle soul- a truly illustrious gentleman with an equally illustrious heritage.
“This is a sad day for those of us that grew up looking up to him, for the yoruba people and indeed for Nigeria. He goes forth to meet his ancestors, his forefathers and the Living God.”