Obafemi Awolowo Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, And Death
Obafemi Awolowo was a Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s independence movement from 1957 to 1960. He was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, Southern Nigeria Protectorate (now in Ogun State, Nigeria), and he passed away on May 9, 1987, in Ikenne.
Obafemi Awolowo began his career as a journalist and editor, working on publications such as the Nigerian Worker. He later pursued higher education and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree from the University of London. He continued his studies in law at the University of London and was called to the Bar by the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple.
Obafemi Awolowo Profile
| Name | Chief Obafemi Awolowo |
| Real Name | Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo |
| Date of Birth | 6 March 1909 |
| Date of Death | 9 May 1987 (78 years) |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Nationalist, and Politician |
| Known for | His image is on 100 Naira Note |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Wife | Hannah Awolowo |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Obafemi Awolowo attended Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS) in Abeokuta, Nigeria, before becoming a teacher in the same city. He later studied at Wesley College, Ibadan, and went on to enroll at the University of London as an External Student, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree. He further pursued his education in law at the University of London, where he was called to the Bar by the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple.
Career
Chief Obafemi Awolowo had a distinguished career in Nigerian politics and government. As a young man, Awolowo became involved in politics and joined the Nigerian Youth Movement. He rose through the ranks and became the Western Provincial Secretary of the organization. In 1950, Awolowo founded the Action Group (AG), a political party focused on promoting the interests of the Yoruba people in Nigeria. He served as the leader of the party and played a key role in shaping its ideology and policies.
In 1952, Obafemi Awolowo was appointed as the Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government and Finance in the Western Region under Nigeria’s parliamentary system. He became the first Premier of the Western Region and held the position until 1959. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Awolowo became the official Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament. He led the Action Group in opposing the government led by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa.
Obafemi Awolowo was known for his progressive social policies and legislation. During his tenure as Premier of the Western Region, he introduced free primary education and free healthcare for children. He also established the first television service in Africa in 1959. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), Awolowo played a significant role in the federal government. He served as the Federal Commissioner for Finance and was also the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.
Obafemi Awolowo ran for the presidency of Nigeria on three occasions. In 1979 and 1983, he contested under the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) but was unsuccessful in both elections. Obafemi Awolowo’s contributions to Nigerian politics and governance were significant. He was a proponent of federalism and played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political structure. His progressive policies in education and healthcare left a lasting impact on the country.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s career was marked by his commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people, his nationalist ideals, and his role in the struggle for independence. He remains an iconic figure in Nigerian history and politics.
Controversies
During his political career, Obafemi Awolowo was involved in several controversies. One of the notable controversies was his disagreement with Samuel Akintola, which led to a constitutional crisis and a breakdown of law and order in the Western Region. Obafemi Awolowo and some of his followers were arrested, charged, convicted of treason, and jailed under the government of Tafawa Balewa. Additionally, his imprisonment from 1963 to 1966 on charges of sedition caused significant political unrest.
Personal Life
Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, Southern Nigeria Protectorate (now in Ogun State, Nigeria). He was the son of David Shopolu Awolowo and Mary Efunyela Awolowo. He married Hannah Adelana in 1937, and they had five children together. He had prominent descendants, including his grandson-in-law, Yemi Osinbajo, who served as the Vice President of Nigeria, and his granddaughter, Oludolapo Osinbajo. Awolowo died on May 9, 1987, at the age of 78, in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Obafemi Awolowo Net Worth
The net worth of Obafemi Awolowo is not available as he lived before the era of publicized personal wealth and asset evaluations. But he could be estimated to be worth around $5 Million during his lifetime, because he was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and held significant positions in government.
Death
Chief Obafemi Awolowo passed away on May 9, 1987, at his residence in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was laid to rest in Ikenne, amidst tributes from across political and ethno-religious divides.
