Chief Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commiserated with the family of the late politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, over the death of their eldest child, Mrs Tola Oyediran, aged 79 years.

 

Tinubu’s condolence is contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, on Friday in Lagos.

 

Oyediran, fondly called Mama Ibadan, was until her death the Chairman, Board of Directors of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), Publishers of the Tribune.

 

Reports say Oyediran did not give any signs of illness, prior to her death.

The APC leader described the deceased as a humble, amiable and graceful person, whose disposition endeared her to many.

 

Tinubu condoled with all those she left behind, especially all the members of the Awolowo and Oyediran families.

 

“She represented the Awolowo family positively through her excellent moral conduct and she shared her father’s welfarist political philosophy.

 

“As the Chairman, Board of Directors of African Newspapers of Nigeria, she helped to take the Tribune titles to a new height through her emphasis on professionalism and integrity in all their editorial offerings,” he said

 

Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, also extended his condolences to the governors of Ogun and Oyo states, Dapo Abiodun and Seyi Makinde, respectively, as well as the government and people of the two states over the demise of their illustrious daughter.

 

“I pray God to grant the soul of late Mrs Oyediran eternal rest,” he said.

 

Also, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described the death of Oyediran as a sad occurrence.

 

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, the governor said that the death had thrown the entire state into mourning.

 

He described the late Oyediran as an embodiment of humility and virtues, saying that she also exhibited independent-mindedness, foresight and managerial acumen in all tasks thrusted upon her.

 

“She was also a great Nigerian in her own right and stood as a rock of Gibraltar behind her very successful medical doctor husband and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof A.B.O. Oyediran.

 

“Her successes as a homemaker cannot but be an irreparable loss to her immediate and extended family members and, indeed, a very painful exit for them.

 

“Mrs Oyediran was a central figure during her father’s travails as a political figure and after the demise of Papa and Mama Awolowo.

 

“Her role in keeping the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune titles, and family businesses are a testament to her business acumen and genuine love for her iconic parents,” he said.

 

Thanking God that Oyediran devoted her days on earth to serving God and humanity as a business leader and pastor, Abiodun prayed for the repose of her soul and asked the Almighty God to grant the family and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

 

Besides, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of Women Arise, an NGO, has commiserated with the Awolowo family over death of their eldest child, Mrs Tola Oyediran.

 

Okei-Odumakin, in a statement, described Oyediran as a virtuous woman whose death was a big blow to all who knew her during her lifetime.

 

“Her death jolts us because we have lost another good person. It is our prayer that her soul will rest in peace and that God should preserve all she left behind,” she said.