Obafemi Awolowo – Early Life, Career & many more
Obafemi Awolowo was a journalist and politician from Ikenne in the Ijebu-Remo of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Profile Summary
- Name: Obafemi Awolowo
- Date of Birth: March 6, 1909
- Death: May 9 1987
- Citizenship: Nigerian
- Ethnicity: Black
- Place of Birth: Ikenne, Ogun-State, Nigeria
- Aged: 78 years
He was born to David Shopolu Awolowo and Mary Efunyela Awolowo on 6 March 1909 in Ikenne.
Education
He attended Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, and became a teacher.
After secondary education, he proceeded to Wesley College in Ibadan, where he was a shorthand typist.
During his time at Wesley College in Ibadan, he worked as a correspondent for the Nigerian Times.
He left Wesley College in 1927 and proceeded to the University of London, where he received a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.).
On 19 November 1946, Awolowo was called to the bar by the honorable Society of the Inner Temple after studying law at the University of London.
Career
Upon Awolowo’s return to Nigeria, he founded the Oduduwa group and a newspaper company, Nigerian Tribune, in 1949. He also became an active politician, teaming up with others to become the leader of a newly formed “Action Group.”
In 1952 he became the first leader of the Government, Business, and Minister of Local Government and Finance and the first premier of the western region.
During his time as the leader of western region, Awolowo became the voice of the masses, passing legislation that helps the lower middle class and the poor.
He introduces free primary education and health care service to all children in the Western Region.
Obafemi Awolowo
In 1959, Awolowo became a member of the parliament and leader of the opposition to Balewa’s government.
He was in government until 1963, during which he was arrested and jailed for three years for allegedly encouraging rebellion act against the government.
Awolowo died at his residence in Ikenne at the age of 78 on May 9 1987. He was survived by his wife, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, who later died on November 25, 2015. Their five children survived them.
Source: Dakingsman
