The remains of Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo, wife of late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, were on Wednesday interred next to her husband at the family compound in Ikenne, Ogun State.
HID died in Ikenne on September 19 at the age of 99.
Her interment at the Awolowo Mausoleum was preceded by a service at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church.
President Muhammadu Buhari who arrived the Awolowo home after the church service and interment urged members of the Awolowo family to uphold the good name and legacies left behind by the patriarch and matriarch of the family.
Buhari was received by top government functionaries and Awolowo family members at the Awolowo family house where popular Juju musician, Ebenezer Obey, entertained guests with his music.
Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), who led 38 other bishops and 300 clerics in conducting the service, described Mrs. Awolowo as a jewel of inestimable value.
Okoh, who read from the Bible book of Mathew chapter 11 verse 38, spoke on “God’s Promised Rest.”
He said HID Awolowo championed the creation of Remo Anglican Diocese in 1984.
Okoh said she played active and significant roles in the Apostolic, Methodist and the Anglican missions at various times in her life.
He enjoined everyone to be mindful of material things while on earth, adding: “There comes a time when material things become immaterial.”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, whose wife Dolapo is a granddaughter of the deceased, was part of the entire burial programme on Wednesday.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, and former Head of Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan, were also present.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, governors past and present, members of the Federal Executive Council, politicians and businessmen also poured into Ikenne.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun led members of the Ogun State Executive Council who all wore the aso ebi chosen for the occasion to the burial.
Commercial, educational and business activities were paralysed in Ikenne as markets, shops and schools were closed as a mark of honour for the deceased.
Vehicles were provided at the entrance of the town to convey guests to the venue, the church and the reception.
Only vehicles bearing tags were allowed into the town, while others were restricted to the suburbs.
