Obafemi Awolowo

Early Life and Background

Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, a small town in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria. His parents were David Sopolu Awolowo, a farmer and sawyer, and Mary Efunyela Awolowo. Awolowo's early life was marked by considerable hardship and self-reliance. His father passed away in 1920 when Obafemi was just 11 years old, leaving the family in a precarious financial situation. This early adversity instilled in him a strong sense of determination, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement through education. He worked various odd jobs, including as a farmhand, to support himself and his family, demonstrating an early entrepreneurial spirit and a relentless work ethic that would define his later career.

Education

Awolowo's educational journey was largely self-motivated and characterized by a persistent pursuit of knowledge despite financial constraints. He began his formal education at the Baptist Day School in Imo, Abeokuta, and later attended St. Peter's School, Caxton House, also in Abeokuta. He subsequently enrolled at the Wesleyan School in Ikenne. His secondary education was undertaken at Wesley College, Ibadan, which he attended between 1927 and 1929. After leaving Wesley College, he continued to educate himself through self-study, acquiring proficiency in typing, shorthand, and various commercial subjects. His ambition led him to pursue higher education abroad. In 1944, he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) degree from the University of London as an external student. Driven by a desire to advocate for justice and contribute to the legal framework of his country, he went on to study law at the University of London and was subsequently called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in London in 1947.

Career

Awolowo's career trajectory was diverse, spanning journalism, business, and ultimately, politics. Before his legal studies, he worked as a teacher, stenographer, and a reporter for the Nigerian Daily Times. He ventured into various businesses, including produce buying, money lending, and transportation, experiencing both successes and failures, which further honed his resilience and understanding of economic realities. His political awakening began with his involvement in the Nigerian Youth Movement in the 1930s. While studying law in the United Kingdom, he founded the Egbe Omo Oduduwa in 1945, a Yoruba cultural organization dedicated to promoting the unity and welfare of the Yoruba people. This organization later served as a crucial precursor to his political party.

Upon his return to Nigeria in 1947, Awolowo became a leading voice in the nationalist movement. In 1951, he co-founded the Action Group (AG) political party, becoming its first General Secretary and later its leader. The AG's platform was based on democratic socialism, advocating for universal primary education, universal health care, and economic development. In 1954, following constitutional reforms, Awolowo became the first Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria. During his tenure as Premier from 1954 to 1959, he implemented groundbreaking policies, including the introduction of free primary education in 1955 and free health services for children in 1956. He also established the first television station in Africa, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), in 1959, and laid the foundation for the O'odua Group, an investment conglomerate. His administration was widely regarded as a model of progressive governance and fiscal responsibility.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Awolowo transitioned to federal politics, serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the Federal House of Representatives from 1959 to 1962. His critical stance against the ruling Northern People's Congress (NPC) and National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) coalition government led to heightened political tensions. In 1962, he was controversially arrested and charged with treasonable felony and conspiracy to overthrow the federal government. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1963. His imprisonment sparked widespread protests and was seen by many as politically motivated.

Awolowo was released and granted a state pardon by General Yakubu Gowon's military government in 1966, following the military coup and counter-coup. He was subsequently invited to join the Federal Military Government as the Federal Commissioner for Finance and the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council from 1967 to 1971. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in managing Nigeria's finances during the challenging period of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), famously implementing the 'no foreign loans' policy and ensuring the war was financed without external borrowing. He resigned from Gowon's government in 1971, expressing dissatisfaction with certain policies and a desire to return to private life.

With the return to civilian rule in the Second Republic, Awolowo contested the presidential elections in 1979 and 1983 under the banner of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), a successor to the Action Group. Although he did not win the presidency, his campaigns were highly influential, and the UPN won control of several states, largely due to his enduring popularity and consistent progressive platform. He remained a respected elder statesman and a critical voice in Nigerian politics until his death.

Major Achievements

Obafemi Awolowo's achievements are numerous and far-reaching. As Premier of the Western Region, he pioneered free primary education in 1955, a policy that significantly increased literacy rates and provided educational opportunities for millions. He also introduced free health services for children up to the age of 18, demonstrating a commitment to social welfare. The establishment of Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) in 1959 marked a milestone as the first television broadcasting service in Africa. He also founded the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, one of Nigeria's premier sporting facilities. His fiscal prudence and visionary economic planning led to the creation of the O'odua Group, a conglomerate that continues to be a significant economic force in the region. During the Nigerian Civil War, his management of the nation's finances as Federal Commissioner for Finance was critical in prosecuting the war without incurring foreign debt, a testament to his financial acumen and integrity. Awolowo was also a prolific writer and intellectual, articulating a clear vision for federalism and democratic socialism in Nigeria.

Personal Life

Obafemi Awolowo was married to Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo in 1937. Their marriage was a formidable partnership, with HID Awolowo providing unwavering support throughout his political career, including during his imprisonment. She was affectionately referred to by Awolowo as his 'jewel of inestimable value.' Together, they had five children: Olusegun Awolowo (who tragically died in a car crash), Omotola Awolowo, Oluwole Awolowo, Ayodele Awolowo, and Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu. His family remained a constant source of strength and inspiration. He was known for his disciplined lifestyle, intellectual rigor, and dedication to his family. His wife, HID, outlived him by many years, continuing to be a matriarchal figure in Nigerian politics.

Legacy

Obafemi Awolowo passed away on May 9, 1987, at the age of 78, leaving behind an enduring and profound legacy. He is revered as one of Nigeria's founding fathers and a principal architect of its modern political landscape. His philosophy, often referred to as 'Awoism,' emphasized welfarism, federalism, self-reliance, and a strong belief in the power of education as a tool for national development. His pioneering efforts in social services, particularly free education and healthcare, set benchmarks for governance in Nigeria and beyond. He remains a symbol of principled leadership, intellectual prowess, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the common person. Awolowo's ideas on restructuring Nigeria, ethnic harmony, and economic planning continue to be highly relevant in contemporary Nigerian political discourse. His home in Ikenne has been preserved as a museum, and numerous institutions and landmarks across Nigeria bear his name, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, a testament to his lasting impact on the nation's educational and political fabric. He was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria's highest honor, in recognition of his immense contributions to the nation.