Details have emerged of how Chief Oluwole, the oldest surviving son of late sage Obafemi Awolowo, died last night.

A statement by the management of Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper Tribune, of which Wole (shown in photo) was Publisher, said he died at 7:40 p.m. Nigerian time following complications that arose from a 2006 car crash. The statement disclosed that Wole had been “in and out of hospital, home and abroad” since that accident. The statement said:

“WE announce the home call of the Publisher/Vice Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Publishers of the Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. He was 70.

Chief Awolowo died at 7.40 p.m. Nigerian time, on Wednesday, at Wellington Hospital, St Johnswood, London, following complications arising from a car crash that occurred on September 30, 2006.

“He had been in and out of hospital, home and abroad, since he was involved in the ghastly accident seven years ago on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“Despite his health challenges following the accident, Chief Awolowo devoted his life to the service of God and was deeply involved in evangelical activities. In the past four years, he authored a Christian column, OBA’S LECTERN, in the Sunday Tribune.

“He fought a good fight and has gone to rest with his Maker.

“We ask for prayers at this most trying time for the Awolowo family and for the ANN Plc.”

News Express reports that condolence messages have been pouring in to Tribune and the Awolowo family. To Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Wole’s death is “a sad occurrence which has thrown the state into mourning” and “is made worse by the fact that he is survived by his mother, Chief H I D Awolowo.”
On its part, Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, said in a statement released by its publicity secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin: “The entire Afenifere family mourns the passing away of the scion of our illustrious leader’s family, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. His death is big pain and loss to all of us who are followers of the sage.”