Never in the recent history of Nigeria have we had such a spectacle of a funeral. On Wednesday, November 25, 2015, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo would have lived 100 years on the surface of the earth, but rather than celebrate her birthday, the whole of Nigeria rose in unison to celebrate her life in death.
It may actually take another century to find such a remarkable woman, who held no public office but became so influential and famous she had to be honoured with a state burial ceremony-a ceremony that that combined many ceremonies and held the whole nation spell-bound for almost two whole weeks, a ceremony that brought the President, Vice President, former Presidents, Heads of State, the Senate President, countless Governors, former Governors, Legislators former and serving, Ministers, State Commissioners, business moguls, university egg-heads, religious leaders, iconic musicians and thousands to one location at the same time, a ceremony that in years to come would enter the realm of fables for being pitch-perfect and well-orchestrated.
How did Mama HID, as she is fondly called, become such a legendary figure? The answer may actually help to put in context the role of the wife in modern society or indeed help to change long-held beliefs that the girl-child is a second class citizen. In his now famous letter to HID by her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a remarkable figure himself, aptly captured in Tola Adeniyi’s Biographical work “The Jewel”, Awolowo, the Sage”, poured his heart out:
“It is, I think, pertinent that I should, at this juncture, say a word or two about my wife and what she meant to me. Throughout all the changing fortunes of my life since I married her in 26 December 1937, my wife, Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (nee Adelana) has been to me a jewel of inestimable value. She is an ideal wife; and i am sure she too regards me as an ideal husband.
“The outpouring of her love and devotion to me and our family is exceeding and beyond words. She is a resourceful businesswoman and in this regard a worthy upholder of the traditions of her mother (Madam Oyesile-Adelana) and her grandmother (Chief Adebowale Oyesile) both of whom are successful traders.
With my wife on my side, it has been possible for us to weather all financial storms. Because of her charm, humility, generosity and ever ready sympathy and helpfulness for others in distress. she is beloved and respected by all our friends and acquaintances. She has courage of a rare kind-I have that too. But I am no match for her at all at her exercise of infinite patience and forbearance under all manner of circumstances.
She absorbs without a word of complaint all my occasional irritability. By her unique virtues, she has been of immeasurable assistance to me in the duties attached to me as a public man. She has taken more interviews and listened to far more representations from members of the public that I have time or sometimes patience for.
“I do not hesitate to confess that I owe my success in life to three factors: The grace of God, self discipline and a good wife. Our home is to us (and our children), a true haven. A place of happiness and imperturbable reclusion from the buffetings of life.
“It is on record that to my wife’s credit that she never made a financial demand on me throughout my stay in the United Kingdom. Besides, she always sent me good news about herself and the children; but when I returned home, I learnt that she had passed through many anxious times with four children the oldest of whom was only five when I left home, and the youngest of whom arrived four months after my departure…”
Without any shadow of doubt, no tribute on HID would ever beat this one penned as far back as 1960, just 23 years after they got married on December 26, 1937. These words brought to fore the true character and essence of the Matriarch, it showed that she was made of sterner stuff, and she was what the Yoruba would call Obinrin meta (A 3-in-one woman). Therefore, it should not surprise anyone that she was still standing proudly and very relevant many years after the demise of her husband.
As everyone who is close to the Awolowo family knows: She has been a pillar of strength despite her own personal losses and tragedies: She had the misfortune of burying her first son, husband and later, a daughter and another son leaving just two daughters. She was the only surviving child of her parents and for this reason it was even more painful for her to also lose her children in her lifetime. Yet she did not become reclusive or withdraw into a cocoon, she knew that many looked up to her for direction and fortification- and she did not disappoint.
It is certainly for keeping faith with the Awo legacy, not dropping the ball for one minute that hundreds trailed her remains from Apapa, Lagos, to Ibadan, Oyo State and eventually joining thousands of others from North, South, East and West of Nigeria, and from all corners of the globe to Ikenne, in Ogun State, a town made popular by the Awolowos, to pay their last respects to the Yeye Oodua.
Her shocking death was announced to the world by the eldest child of the Awolowo family, Mrs. Omotola Oyediran. According to her “I want to assure you that Mama had a beautiful exit. This morning she had a full day. She had a usual family meeting. She presided over the meeting. Shortly after that, we decided to invite her to the meeting which we were holding in preparation for her centenary and she came in and we all got up and sang a song: ‘Mama wa ara yin ale (Our mother you will have sound health…)’ and she blessed us.
“But, I must say that it is a lesson. I must thank God for what He has done for us. I want to assure you that she went home peacefully and completely fulfilled. Shortly before she left she had all her three generations present at her bedside for which we give God the glory”. This was September 19, 2105. And from that day, the meetings which were held to prepare for Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo’s centenary was turned into that of her burial plans.
The funeral activities began in earnest on Sunday 15th November from the famous Awolowo Estate, in Park Lane, Apapa, Lagos where a lying-in-state and a Christian inter-denominational Service unfolded at the same venue. This was where her 24-karat gold plated handmade masterpiece, a casket manufactured by Batesville Promethean Casket Company was unveiled. The Casket, purchased for the family by the famous Lagos-based undertakers, TOS Funeral Home, caused a huge stir, just like the Awolowo transparent coffin which was first used for Chief Awolowo many years ago in 1987.
From the Centre of Excellence, her remains were moved on Monday November 16th to Ibadan where she briefly stopped at the Ibadan residence in Oke-Bola area of Ibadan which she shared with her husband in the hey days of their political dominance of the Western Region and Western Nigeria.The huge crowd that had turned out to show their love and pay their respects slowed down the procession and meant that the short lying-in-state that had been planned for Oke Bola had to be shelved as there was to be a a commendation service at Agbeni Methodist Church. This commendation service was attended by many dignitaries including the Governors of Oyo and Osun States, Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola respectively and their wives as well as the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode. Also in attendance was former first lady of Ekiti State and wife of the Minister for Solid Minerals, Mrs Bisi Fayemi.
On the same day, her remains were laid in-state at the premises of their media empire, Tribune House in the Imalefalaafia area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital to commemorate the 66th year anniversary of the founding of the newspaper organisation which she chaired till death. Thereafter the cortege proceeded to Ogun State where it was received at the Sagamu junction by the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, and most of the Ogun State cabinet including Bimbo Ashiru, Leke Adewolu, Dayo Adeneye and Yewande Amusan (who had travelled with the family as an adopted granddaughter) and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa. The procession stopped in front of the Liyangu Ruling House compound in Sagamu and danced with Governor Amosun to the outskirts of Sagamu where it then drove to Ikenne. In Ikenne the family still joined by Governor Amosun danced from the junction of the town to the palatial family home of the Awolowos where HID laid in-state until her burial on 25 November 2015, the day she would have turned 100 years old. On each day that she laid in state HID received a change of apparel and shoes just as she would have done had she been alive.
Tuesday November 17th kicked off with orations/tributes by different groups which included Afenifere, Yoruba Unity Forum, Yoruba Council of Elders, National Youth Service Corps and Oodua Foundation amongst others. As was the case on each day that HID laid in state in her home in Ikenne there was a service of songs. Every day throughout the activities, Evangelist Funmi Aragbaiye joined the choir to belt out melodious religious tunes.
On Wednesday, November 18, 2015 it was time for the public presentation of a biography titled “In the Radiance of the Sage (The Life and Times of Mama HID Awolowo” authored by Prof Wale Adebanwi in Ikenne. The Chief Presenter of the book was former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who caused quite a stir that day when he presented the book with a cash donation of N10million! Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and Juju music maestro, Commander Ebenezer Obey- Fabiyi were among the prominent faces at the event.
Later that same day a service of songs by the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Remo’s Women Group was held and Ikenne Town came alive with praises and prayers.
On Thursday November 19th, it was the turn of universities that had conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Mama Awolowo to shower her with orations and tributes. This ceremony was followed in the evening by a Service of Songs by the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The early hours of Friday was for “Ode-Iyalu” and as announced by the burial committee that afternoon, there was a Muslim prayer session which was followed by tributes by Ikenne Development Association and the Liyangu, Awolowo, Ligu-Ogodo-Adebowale families and Sodeke Descendants. That was also the day that major members of the Ife Council of Chiefs were on ground to pay their last respects through tributes and messages of condolence to the highly respected Yeye Oodua of Ife.
The very popular Nigerian entertainment industry was not left out in the celebration of Mama, on Saturday, November 21. Theatre artistes who included the Ogunde Yoruba Theatre and groups led by Chief Jimoh Aliu and Mr. Adebayo Salami hosted an evening of soulful songs, rhythmic dance routines and good drama tagged “HID Unto Glory”. A Service of songs by choirs from various churches including the Mountain of Fire Ministries rounded off that wonderful day.
The Apostolic Church conducted its own Service of Songs on Sunday, November 22 while different women organisations celebrated the great HID on Monday 23 November 2015. In the Afternoon Ogun State stood still to pay a special tribute to its beloved Mama at Sagamu Stadium. The tributes were led by the Chief State mourner, the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. He was ably assisted by his wife Mrs Funso Amosun, past and present national and state leaders from Ogun State, including former Head of Interim Government, Ernest Shonekan, General Oladipo Diya, fromer Governor Segun Osoba, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi. Also present was former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande and a leading Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo. Ebenezer Obey was on the bandstand at the colourful event. The evening of Monday, November 23 was allocated to the Methodist Church of Nigeria and they hosted a Service of Songs.
Tuesday started very early for the family with the traditional “Woro” dance held for notable Remo personages. Promptly at 1.00pm there was a private prayer session for the Awolowo family conducted by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. In the evening, the Remo Diocese of the Anglican Communion organised a spirit-lifting Christian Wake for Mama HID, who was their Diocesan Mother. Ladi Soyode, one of the grandchildren rendered a powerful poem which he had first written in honour of his grandmother on the occasion of her 80th birthday 20 years earlier. The poem aptly renamed “Ascension” was suitably adapted for the occasion. The event was coordinated by Rt. Rev. Michael Olusina Fape, Bishop of the Remo Diocese.
The service began as usual with a song “Hark My Soul taken from the A& M Hymn Book-and then the service was on auto pilot with readings from Psalms 130, 81 and other portions of the Bible as well as songs and loads of prayers. There were also words of exhortation where the congregation were urged to emulate the passion that Mama HID had for God and her penchant for helping the less privileged.
On D-Day, Ikenne literarily stood still. The organisers had expected the unprecedented vehicular and human traffic and so made adequate arrangements. Issues concerning security later arose with the arrival of the President’s security team but this is a matter best dealt with on another occasion.
The Funeral service was not an all comers affair as the venue, Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, sat only 690 guests and since seats were at a premium, only a select few got the special access passes into the church. The other guests had to make do with watching the service on big screens provided at Obafemi Awolowo Square and the Apostolic Church both located in Ikenne Town.
A good number of people, who lined the streets, raised their smart phones like periscopes and went to work as the funeral cortege made its triumphant passage. What mattered was not seeing the pageantry unfolding before their eyes but actually living it. These bystanders actually had the rare opportunity of close contact with the funeral cortege which was made of horse-drawn carriage surrounded by police horse-riders, with pall bearers from Broadway Services bearing the remains of Mama in her now famous sparkling 24-karat gold casket.
The carriage provided by Kenny Osude of Broadway Services was followed by her two living children: Mrs Tola Oyediran and Dr (Mrs.) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu and their spouses Professor Kayode Oyediran and Dr Gbolahan Dosunmu and Mr Tayo Soyode, father of the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo. The grandchildren and their spouses, including the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN and Prince Adedamola Aderemi, a Director of our sister magazine, Ovation International, his wife Princess Olukemi and most of the great grandchildren also joined the procession. It was quite a spectacular sight to behold!
For such an auspicious occasion, it was no surprise that The Most Rev. Dr. Nicholas Okoh, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of Anglicans in Nigeria was the Preacher for the day. He was ably assisted by Bishop Olushina Fape, Bishop of Remo. Of course, The Rt Rev (Dr.) M. Olusina, the Diocesan Bishop was there with a powerful team: The Revd. J.O. Adejuyigbe and The Revd. J.O. Ezekiel served as Curates, Ven. Erinle the Vicar of the Church served and the Guest Organist was Mr. Kayode Oni. Mr Sesan Ogumusi was Organist/Choir Master and Mr. Ajewole Onayemi was verger. Apart from the Prelate and the Bishop of Remo there were 12 Archbishops and 47 Bishops present at the funeral service. They were joined by more than 200 other priests and two large choirs.
The guests in church represented the creme de la creme of Nigerian Government, business and social life. They included former heads of state, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ernest Shonekan. There were about 16 Governors, including the host Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife Funso, Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Serifat, Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Waziri Aminu Tambuwal, Nasir El Rufai, Adams Oshiomole and his wife, Lara, Rochas Okorocha, Rahman Mimiko and his wife, Olufunke, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, Kashim Shettima, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and wife, Florence, Professor Ben Ayade, Senator Bindo Jubrilla and Alhaji Aminu Masari.
Former Governors included, Lateef Jakande, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, national leader of APC and and his wife, Senator Oluremi, Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Niyi Adebayo and others.
The Ministers included Audu Ogbeh, Babatunde Fashola, Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi, Adebayo Shittu, Ogbonnaya Onu amongst others.
Amongst the numerous members of the National Assembly past and present were Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and family friend, Senator Lanre Tejuoso.
The business world was well represented by business moguls, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Tunde Ayeni, Oba Otudeko, Otunba Subomi Balogun,Otunba Adekunle Ojora,and a galaxy of other stars.
Other notable personalities were General Oladipo Diya (rtd), Pastor E. A Adeboye, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olanihun Ajayi, Chief Taiwo Alimi, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson, Olori Ladun Sijuwade, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, Princess Yewande Onile-ere, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Jimi Lawal, the Poet and former Secretary to Chief Awolowo, Odia Ofeimun, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Mrs Doyin Abiola, Florence Ita-Giwa and a host of others.
The Most Revd. Okoh poured encomiums on the late HID and then urged the government to quickly check the rising wave of terrorism in the land.
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki attended with his wife Toyin and also represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Church service. In his short speech he urged the children and other family members of the deceased to uphold the good name of the Awolowo dynasty.
The Church service was in itself exhilarating, a fitting finale for the blue-blooded Matriarch, there was a solo performance by Mrs. Oluwemimo Anifowose and lots of other hymns that ensured that there was no dull moment and Mama would be remembered with smiles and a sweet after taste.
The service of what would definitely be Nigeria’s Funeral of The Century was rounded off at a few minutes after 1.00pm. At about 1:57pm, the remains of the late matriarch were laid to rest beside her late husband inside the Awolowo Mausoleum after prayers were offered by clergy men and family members. This was a strictly private affair!
President Muhammadu Buhari landed in Ikenne at about 2:10pm in a helicopter and headed straight to the Awolowo residence. He spent a considerable amount of time with the Awolowo family and some VVIP guests signing the condolence register and then taking photographs with each generation of the Awolowo family and their spouses. He also took pictures with other dignitaries and was so in tune with the festive celebratory nature of the event that when the impromptu MC, Segun Awolowo Jnr, asked the President to take pictures with himself, his wife Bola and his Mum, Mrs Abah Folawiyo, the President smilingly obliged.
After the interment, there were two receptions for family and guests at the home of the Awolowos and Obafemi Awolowo Square. Chief Ebenezer Obey performed for the guests of the two surviving children at the family home whilst King Sunny Ade and Adewale Ayuba performed for the grandchildren and great grandchildren at the Obafemi Awolowo Square. There was much dancing and rejoicing by everybody.
Incidentally, the day also marked the 26th wedding anniversary of the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo and they cut a wedding cake on the occasion to the felicitation and cheers of family members, several Governors and cabinet members at the Obafemi Awolowo Square. It was indeed a joyous day for them.
Commenting about the funeral ceremony afterwards, Mr President stated:
“Let me appreciate those who have come to participate in this ceremony. When I was in the car, I discussed with the Governor of Ogun State about the Late Mrs. Awolowo and what the nation is doing for her. While Chief (Obafemi Awolowo) was all over the country and the world, she was effectively managing the family. So, she earned this. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
“And for you that have, for weeks, been gathering friends, associates and facing all the logistics problems, day and night, I congratulate you for a very successful burial of the late Mrs. Awolowo.
“I came back last (Tuesday) evening from Iran and I had to make sure I do not miss the last rites for Mrs. Awolowo because she earned it. This is the third time I have been here, and I hope the family will try and continue to hold together as they have been doing”
The President’s comments were not too different from an official condolence letter he had sent earlier that formed part of a hefty book of tributes that was distributed to guests during the occasion. In that letter dated November 19th, Mr. President wrote “I join millions of admirers of her late and revered, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in mourning Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo who will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage”
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described the death of the matriarch of the Awolowo family as a great loss. According to him “Nigeria has lost a role model of distinction, a highly disciplined and principled woman, a trustworthy ally and dependable politician who equally made her mark in the business world. She was a woman of valour and a friend indeed.”
In his own tribute Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode stated “Mama did not only support from behind the scene. When Awo was incarcerated, she stepped up to take his place and played an active role in the politics of Western Nigeria”
Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, noted that the translation of the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, was the end of an era. He continued:
“We join the entire progressive family, Awo political movement as well as the whole Yoruba race in mourning as well as celebrating the glorious transition …
“They set examples for politicians when they were here with us. The couple typified the best of what politicians should strive to be in our society.”
“We believe there will be a celestial celebration of reunion of a couple that exemplified harmony and true wedlock. Even in death Mama remained a rallying point for the Awolowo political dynasty until her last breath on earth.
“To the best of my knowledge, Mama was an ideal wife, a loving mother, an astute woman and committed political leader.”Her death certainly has left empty the socio-political house of the Yoruba race and the Awolowo dynasty.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, noted that the death of the Awolowo matriach, Chief Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, was a collosal loss not only to the Yoruba nation but also to the Nigerian Federation and Africa at large. He described the deceased as a loving, obedient, loyal, committed and persevering wife who stood strongly by her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo during his political travails.
“Even after his death almost three decades ago, she has been strong, keeping the family together and playing motherly role to the Yoruba nation and the Nigerian Federation”