“No matter how old a mother is, she watches her middle-aged children for signs of improvement.” (Florida Scott-Maxwell: U.S-born, British writer)

Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo, frontline nationalist, elder statesman, philosopher, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and distinguished politician, spent most of his adult life in the struggle for the political emancipation and economic development of Nigeria. From his days in the Egbe Omo Oduduwa to the principled fight for independence from the colonial masters, Chief Awolowo played a prominent role in the making of modern Nigeria, deploying everything in his arsenal in the quest for a better life for his countrymen. Chief Awolowo continued the struggle even in the post colonial era. The Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), which he founded, became platforms to spread his gospel of good governance. Like all principled men, Chief Awolowo’s spartan life, moral rectitude and campaign against bad governance earned him criticisms from the establishment, and periods of incarceration. Through it all, Chief Awolowo was never bowed; he came out the better for it becoming the lone voice of reason in his generation.

Chief Awolowo was able to face his many travails with equanimity mainly because he had peace and solid support from the home front where his wife of many years held sway. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo is a personification of the good wife, the caring mother and the woman with enough deep conviction to weather the storm of life without giving up. Indeed, Chief (Mrs.) H.I.D. Awolowo was never overawed in the face of calculated and concerted efforts to destroy whatever Chief Awolowo stood for. Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo was with her husband through thick and thin. She never wavered in her support for the good cause her husband stood for. And when Chief Obafemi Awolowo described her as his “Jewel of Inestimable value,” there was general concurrence in the polity that it was a fitting tribute to a woman of courage and solid pedigree.

Even after the departure of Papa, Mama has been able to hold the Awolowo dynasty together. The elder stateswoman has also become a stabilising force in Yorubaland, working quietly behind the scene for the unity and progress of the race. A lover of good governance, she has been relentless in her campaign for responsible and responsive government at all tiers.

And at a time when other nationalities are coming together to present a common front in the ongoing jostling for national political relevance, Chief Mrs. Awolowo is deeply troubled that the children of Oduduwa are at war with one another. Some have blamed the downward spiral of the Yoruba on the selfish politics being played by some leading lights of the race. It is almost a case of things fall apart and the centre cannot hold for the race.

The matriarch of the race , Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo wants a change and she is working with the Ooni of Ife to ensure that the Yoruba speak with one voice and reclaim their leading position in the scheme of things in the country. Recently, in Ikenne, sons and daughters of the race met under the guidance of Mama Awolowo to chart the way forward.

As Mama celebrates her 96th birthday this Friday, nobody can deny the fact that she has contributed her quota to the development of her state and country. Her life of total dedication to her family, patriotism, solid support for her husband, and moral chastity is worth celebrating. And that is exactly what the people of Ogun State and her admirers at home and abroad will do. Certainly, other Nigerians will join in the celebration of Yeye Oba of Ife and one of the country’s most enduring personalities.

Adebanjo, a journalist , lives in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Comments (0)

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment