Obafemi Awolowo

**Obafemi Awolowo: Nigerian Statesman, Nationalist, and Advocate of Federalism** Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR (Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo; March 6, 1909 – May 9, 1987) was a prominent Nigerian nationalist, statesman, lawyer, and political leader who played a pivotal role in Nigeria's independence movement and the First and Second Republics. He is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria and a fierce advocate for federalism and social welfarism. **Early Life and Education** Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, located in the former Southern Nigeria Protectorate (now Ogun State, Nigeria). He did not come from a privileged background, and historical accounts indicate he was the first person in his family to attend school and university. As a young man, he was active in journalism, editing publications such as the *Nigerian Worker* and the *African Sentinel*. Driven by a desire for formal legal education, Awolowo traveled to the United Kingdom in 1944 to study law at the University of London. He was called to the Bar by the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple on November 19, 1946. Upon his return to Nigeria, he practiced as a lawyer. In 1949, Awolowo established the *Nigerian Tribune*, a private Nigerian newspaper, which he utilized to promote nationalist consciousness and critique British colonial policies. **Political Career and Major Achievements** Awolowo’s political career was marked by his dedication to the Yoruba people and his vision for a united, federal Nigeria. He founded the Yoruba nationalist socio-cultural group, Egbe Omo Oduduwa, and later, the Action Group (AG) political party in 1950. The Action Group was instrumental in promoting the idea of federalism in Nigeria. From 1954 to 1960, Awolowo served as the Premier of Western Nigeria, a role in which he spearheaded radical and transformative policies. Under his leadership, the Western Region became the first region in Nigeria to introduce universal free primary education in 1955, as well as universal health care. He also oversaw the establishment of infrastructure and institutions, including the first television service in Africa. Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, Awolowo transitioned to the federal level, serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament against the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa-led government from 1959 until November 1962. In 1963, he was controversially imprisoned following a treason charge. He was subsequently pardoned by the military government in 1966. During the subsequent military administration, Awolowo was appointed the Federal Commissioner for Finance and Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council. He also served as the Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and Ahmadu Bello University in the mid-1970s. In the Second Republic (1979–1983), he founded the Unity Party of Nigeria and unsuccessfully ran for president twice. **Notable Works and Legacy** Awolowo authored several influential books and writings that articulate his political ideology and vision for Nigeria, including his autobiography *Awo: The Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo* (1960) and *Thoughts on Nigerian Constitution* (1966). His intellectual contributions centered on federalism, democratic socialism, and the importance of education as a tool for national development. In recognition of his national contributions, Awolowo was the first person in the modern era to be named the leader of the Yorubas (Asíwájú Àwọn Yorùbá). **Current Status** Chief Obafemi Awolowo died peacefully at his home, the Efunyela Hall, in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria, on May 9, 1987, at the age of 78. He was laid to rest in Ikenne. His ideals and accomplishments continue to exert a profound influence on Nigerian politics and are studied extensively within the country’s history.