*Afenifere, YCE Mourn
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Rev Tola Oyediran, eldest daughter of forner Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is dead.
THISDAY learnt that the wife of the former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olukayode Oyediran, passed on around noon Friday at 79 years.
She was billed to celebrate her 80th birthday on December 1.
Oyediran was until her death the Chairman, Board of Directors, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, the publishers of Tribune titles.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide, described her death as a great loss to the Yoruba nation.
Olajide while consoling the entire Awolowo family, her husband, children and grandchildren, said she was a patriotic Nigerian who contributed immensely to the development of the Yoruba.
According to him, “The death of the eldest daughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is a tragic loss to the Yoruba nation. She was a very patriotic Nigerian, accomodating woman, dedicated housewife and good daughter of Yoruba nation.”
Also, the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has mourned Oyediran, the eldest daughter of its late leader, Chief Awolowo.
The group in a release titled “Farewell Mrs Tola Oyediran” issued on Friday by its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, said it was devastated by the sad news of the demise of Mrs Tola Oyediran.
According to Afenifere, Mrs Oyediran who would have been 80 on Nov 1 passed on when death broke into her abode suddenly without illness.
“Mrs Oyediran was a lovely person who radiated warmth and love to all in her lifetime.Her death is a big blow we have to accept as we cannot change the will of God. We can only pray for God to take good care of the family she left behind. Eternal repose we pray for her soul”, the group said
