President Muhammadu Buhari has urged members of the Awolowo family to uphold the good name and legacies left behind by the patriarch and matriarch of the family.
Buhari made the call at the burial of Yeye Oodua HID Awolowo in her hometown Ikenne, Ogun State on Wednesday.
Yeye Oodua Awolowo, wife of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died in Ikenne on September 19 at the age of 99.
Buhari described Mrs Awolowo as a virtuous woman who stood by her husband and remained nationally relevant even after his death in 1987.
Buhari was received by top government functionaries and Awolowo family members at the Awolowo family compound where popular Juju musician, Ebenezer Obey, entertained guests with his music.
Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), who led 38 other bishops and 300 clerics in conducting the service, described Mrs Awolowo as a jewel of inestimable value.
Okoh, who read chapter 11 verse 38 from the book of Mathew, spoke on the topic: “God’s Promised Rest.’’
He said HID Awolowo championed the creation of Remo Anglican Diocese in 1984.
Okoh said she played active and significant roles in the Apostolic, Methodist and the Anglican missions at various times in her life.
He enjoined everyone to be mindful of material things while on earth, adding that “there comes a time when material things become immaterial.’’
Mrs Awolowo was interred at the Awolowo Mausoleum in the family compound at 1.40p.m.
Three former heads of states, serving ministers, governors, former governors, captains of industries, royal fathers, party chieftains and other eminent personalities attended the ceremony.
Commercial, educational and business activities were paralysed in Ikenne as markets, shops and schools closed as a mark of honour for the deceased.
Vehicles were provided at the entrance of the town to convey guests to the venue, the church and the reception.
Only vehicles bearing tags were allowed into the town while others were restricted to the suburbs.
