The Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, warned fellow politicians on Friday not to use the death of Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Awolowo – and other past Nigerian heroes – to score cheap political points.
Fayose, who said this in Ikenne, Ogun State, during a condolence visit to the Awolowos, further said it was better that Nigeria’s great leaders were recognised and given due respect while they were alive.
He said it was why he had decided to honour some prominent Ekiti indigenes, including Prof. Sam Aluko and Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye, before they died.
In a statement by the Ekiti State Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor described Awolowo’s life as worthy of celebration and emulation.
He said, “At some point, we all have to leave this world. But we cannot forget a life well lived and the assurance of eternity. Our Mama [H.I.D. Awolowo] held the fort for 29 years after Baba [Chief Obafemi Awolowo] died. She kept the flag flying and nobody can fault that.
“Her death is a celebration of life and ideology. We will continue to celebrate Baba Awo and represent all that he lived for. Politicians celebrate people for political reasons, but that must stop. We should sustain the legacies left behind by Baba and Mama.
“We need to celebrate our heroes before they die. It is better that way rather than making politics of such occasion. I congratulate the Awolowos for a life well lived by their parents. The family should not be abandoned. We can never forget them. They have left legacies that are enduring. Also, visit to this place should not be a once-in-a-while thing. Mama Awolowo fought a good fight and finished her race very well.”
One of the daughters of the deceased, Mrs. Tola Oyediran, thanked Fayose for the visit.
She said, “I say a big thank you for coming, despite your tight schedule. Your coming is an expression of deep love for us as a family. We thank you for the beautiful things you said about our parents.
“We also thank God that her children survived her in spite of all the storms of life she experienced in recent years. I pray that you too will live long in Jesus’ name.”
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