Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has publicly consoled the widow of the late Segun Awolowo Jnr., encouraging her to find strength in the widespread honour being paid to her husband's life and work.
A Night of Tributes in Lagos
The poignant moment occurred on Tuesday night, December 3, 2025, at a Night of Tributes event held at Harbour Point on Victoria Island, Lagos. Segun Awolowo, the grandson of the legendary statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had passed away on November 20, 2025, at the age of 62.
Addressing the widow, Bola, directly, Ibori offered words of solace. He framed the outpouring of respect as a source of fortitude for the grieving family. "All we will say here and all you have heard is for you to draw strength to carry on," Ibori stated. "Our guy was a great guy."
Remembering a Life of Service and Integrity
Ibori painted a picture of the deceased as a remarkably humble and effective public servant. He highlighted Awolowo's tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), where he was a driving force behind Nigeria's non-oil export agenda.
"He performed exceptionally well. He was not there for the title but for tangible results. He was a true servant of the nation," Ibori affirmed. Despite his prestigious family lineage, Ibori noted that Awolowo carried the Awolowo name "not as a crown but as a responsibility."
The former governor also shared a personal and painful coincidence. He revealed he was attending a tribute for the late Oskar Ibru when he received the news of Awolowo's passing, describing the timing as a cruel irony.
A Bridge Between Past and Future
In his eulogy, Ibori framed Awolowo's life as one that connected Nigeria's rich history with its potential. "He was a bridge between a storied past and a hopeful future," Ibori said, emphasizing how the late legal practitioner honoured his heritage while forging his own distinct and impactful path through humility, discipline, and principled leadership.
Ibori extended his condolences to the entire Awolowo family and all who were touched by Segun Awolowo Jnr.'s life. His final tribute celebrated a life of quiet dignity and service:
"His was a life well lived though ended too soon. He embodied grace under pressure, service over self and the enduring power of a good name. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace. Rest in peace, Shegee. Good night."
