Senator Tolu Odebiyi, who represented Ogun West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly (2019 -2025) , has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Olusegun Awolowo, grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of Western Region.
According to a statement signed by the Senator and seen by Critical Voice News, Odebiyi reflected on the bond he shared with the late Olusegun, who he regarded as a brother because of the close ties between his father( Odebiyi) and the late Premier Awolowo
” Our bond didn’t begin with us—it started with our families. My late father, Chief Jonathan Odebiyi, and his grandfather, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were long-standing associates. That relationship pulled our own paths together, year after year, every 26th of December in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Segun was consistently the same person—boisterous, full of life, brilliant, gentlemanly and unmistakably warm. Papa held him in rare affection, and it showed. Neither of us knew we would later find ourselves as students at Government College Ibadan, yet our connection only deepened there. Segun, impeccably dressed as always, would start his day at Powell House just to see me. We weren’t just friends; we were alter egos. We pushed each other, competed in healthy ways, and rooted for each other without compromise.”
Odebiyi further noted that the late Olusegun was a man passionate about service, although he was never elected to public office, his performance was admired when he was entrusted with a national responsibility.
“We shared a political trajectory, and I often looked at him as having a stronger springboard. We carried the weight of legacy—expectations that were almost impossible to fully satisfy. As an Awolowo, he bore that burden more intensely than most. The expectations were massive, and at times they punctured his self-confidence. But when he found his footing on the national stage, he soared.
He was passionate about service. He believed deeply that he was walking in the mold of his grandfather—committed to building a legacy anchored in national transformation. His work on economic diversification wasn’t just policy; it was a mission. His “non-oil economy” mantra became a national conversation because he willed it into relevance.”
Odebiyi recalled the role the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council played in his political career when he was elected as the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly
“When I became a Senator, nobody celebrated me more fiercely than Segun. He called repeatedly—encouraging me, coaching me, giving me a playbook for surviving the complexities of federal politics. When whispers emerged about my consideration for the Ogun governorship, he carried his own quiet hopes for me.
We were both intentional about our pedigree. We protected our names. We protected our values. And Segun lived those values—exceptionally. Privileged, yet humble. Grounded. Family-focused. God-fearing. His devotion to his mother was profound, and he cared for her with uncommon commitment.”
Odebiyi prayed that God will give the family of Olusegun Awolowo the fortitude to bear the loss and gave them the assurance that God’s presence will never departs from theor Home
” This pain is immense, but our faith assures us that God comforts the brokenhearted and upholds those left behind. My prayer is that His presence never departs from your home, and that He fills this void with peace, joy, and renewed strength.
To all his friends and peers—may the memories of Segun’s joy, energy, and generosity never fade. And may his legacy—of pushing Nigeria toward true diversification and a non-oil economic future—become a reality in our lifetime”
