Remembering Segun Awolowo Jr.

Olusegun Awolowo Jr., Grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dies at 62

Olusegun Awolowo Jr., grandson of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, passed away last month at the age of 62.

In a statement announcing his death, the Awolowo family described him as “a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being. He loved his family. He loved his work. He loved his country. And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him. We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Mr. Awolowo was widely regarded as a courageous and principled public servant who served Nigeria with integrity and excellence. His contributions were felt across the various roles he occupied throughout his career.

On a personal note, my first encounter with Segun dates back to 1992, when I worked as a young account officer at the former Trust Financial Services Ltd in Lagos. He was a regular visitor and close associate of my Managing Director. I remember him as intelligent, warm, effortlessly gracious, and consistently jovial—always generous to the staff. Though his life was cut short, his impact remains unmistakable. We extend our condolences to his wife, children, the wider Awolowo family, and Nigerians everywhere who mourn this significant loss.

Early Life and Family Background

Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr. was born on 27 September 1963, just two months after the death of his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who was killed in a car accident.

Following his father’s passing, he spent part of his early childhood in the care of his aunt, Mrs. Tola Oyediran (née Awolowo), and her husband, Prof. Kayode Oyediran.His mother, Hajia Zainab “Sisi Abah” Folawiyo, was a renowned Lagos socialite

Education

Segun began his education at Mayhill Convent School before attending Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, and later completing his secondary schooling at Government College, Ibadan.

He earned an LLB in Law from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago Iwoye, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1989.

His early legal career included stints with Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co.

Career

Mr. Awolowo’s public service career spanned multiple administrations:

• Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he served as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions and Legal Due Diligence.
• During President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, he held key roles in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), including Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport.
• In November 2013, he was appointed Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) by President Goodluck Jonathan—a role in which he was retained under President Muhammadu Buhari.

At NEPC, he championed the “Zero Oil Plan,” a major economic strategy designed to diversify Nigeria’s export base from crude oil to value-added, non-oil products.

In 2021, he was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) of ECOWAS member states.He also served as Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Personal Life

Mr. Awolowo was married and had children, including his daughter Seun, a social entrepreneur. She runs the Teach-A-Girl Nigeria initiative—focused on girl-child education—and founded Leads Africa and 3D Living Moments. Known for his devotion to family, he celebrated his 60th birthday with messages of gratitude for life, friendship, and family, and disclosed that he was working on his memoirs.

Legacy

Segun Awolowo Jr. is remembered as a dedicated public servant whose work strengthened Nigeria’s export and trade development landscape.

His family described him as “steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor” of their home.

Though he did not follow his grandfather into partisan politics, he upheld the Awolowo legacy through national service, economic vision, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.