He Gave Generously, Instintcively…His Illness Appeared Suddenly – Friend of Many Years Talks About Segun Awolowo Jnr

Yinka Ajayi, a friend of many years, has joined the outpouring of tributes celebrating the life and generosity of Segun Awolowo Jnr, grandson of the iconic national leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Ajayi recalled countless cherished moments shared with the late Awolowo Jnr — including his 21st birthday party at the defunct Lord’s Club in Maryland, Lagos — saying simply that he “lived well.”

“Segun gave generously, instinctively, and without being prompted. He left us far sooner than we wished, but the beautiful legacy he leaves behind will remain our comfort,” he said at the December 1, 2025 Night of Tribute held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event marked the beginning of a carefully curated three-day farewell that ended on December 5 with a funeral service at Our Saviour’s Church, Ikoyi, followed by a private interment.

Ajayi noted that Segun’s illness came abruptly. “When it appeared, it came so suddenly. Yet through it all we held on in hope. In the end, we were helpless, and Segun had to continue on his journey,” he said, reflecting also on shared milestones including family celebrations abroad and Segun’s 60th birthday in 2023.

Awolowo Jnr, who served as President of the National Trade Promotion Organisation — a position to which ECOWAS member states unanimously elected him, making him a key voice in regional trade advocacy — died at 62.

“May God grant Bola (his wife), Aunty Abah (his mother), his children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and the entire family the grace to navigate life without Segun. May his memory remain a blessing, and may his beautiful soul rest in God’s bosom,” Ajayi concluded.

The three-day funeral drew high-profile figures who came to honour his towering influence. Among them were Aliko Dangote; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; James Ibori; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Senator Gbenga Daniel; and close friends including Abimbola Ashiru and Jide Coker.