Obafemi Awolowo | |
---|---|
![]() Taken in 1959 | |
Premier of Western Nigeria | |
In office 1 October 1954 – 1 October 1960 | |
Succeeded by | Samuel Akintola |
Federal Commissioner for Finance | |
In office 1967–1971 | |
Preceded by | Festus Okotie-Eboh |
Succeeded by | Shehu Shagari |
Personal details | |
Born | Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo 6 March 1909 Ikenne, Southern Nigeria Protectorate (now in Ogun State, Nigeria) |
Died | 9 May 1987 Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria | (aged 78)
Political party | Unity Party of Nigeria (1978–1983) Action Group (1950–1966) |
Spouse | |
Relations | Yemi Osinbajo (grandson-in-law) Oludolapo Osinbajo (granddaughter) Segun Awolowo Jr. (grandson) |
Children | 5 |
Alma mater | University of London |
Profession | Journalist, lawyer |
Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo (// Yoruba: Ọbáfẹ́mi Oyèéníyì Awólọ́wọ̀; 6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987) was a Nigerian nationalist and politician who played a key role in Nigeria's independence movement (1957–1960).[1][2][3] Awolowo founded the Yoruba nationalist group Egbe Omo Oduduwa,[4] and was the first Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government and Finance, and first Premier of the Western Region under Nigeria's parliamentary system, from 1952 to 1959.[5] He was the official opposition leader in the federal parliament to the Balewa government from 1959–1963.[6][4]
As a young man he was an active journalist, editing publications such as the Nigerian Worker, on top of others as well. He later became founder & publisher of Nigerian Tribune of African Newspapers of Nigeria Ltd.[7] After receiving his bachelors of commerce degree in Nigeria, he traveled to London to pursue his degree in law.[8] Obafemi Awolowo was the first premier of the Western Region and later federal commissioner for finance, and vice chairman of the Federal Executive Council[9] during the Nigerian Civil War.[10] He was thrice a major contender for the country's highest office.[11]
A native of Ikenne in Ogun State of south-western Nigeria,[12] Awolowo started his career, like some of his well-known contemporaries, as a nationalist in the Nigerian Youth Movement in which he rose to become Western Provincial Secretary.[7] Awolowo was responsible for much of the progressive social legislation that has made Nigeria a modern nation.[13] In 1963, he was tried and jailed for 10 years on charges of sedition.[14] He was pardoned by the government until 1966, after which he appointed the Minister of Finance.[15][16] In recognition of all of this, Awolowo was the first individual in the modern era to be named as the leader of the Yorubas (Yoruba: Asíwájú Àwọn Yorùbá or Asíwájú Ọmọ Oòduà).[17][18]