Obafemi Awolowo Biography

(Political Leader)

Birthday: March 6, 1909 (Pisces)

Born In: Ikenne, Western Region, British Nigeria

Obafemi Awolowo was a Nigerian political leader and author who was a key participant in Nigeria’s independence struggle against the British rule. Affectionately known as ‘Chief Awolowo’ or ’Awo’, he also took part in the ‘First and Second Republics’ and Nigerian ‘Civil War’. He is one of the founding fathers and a national hero of modern Nigeria. He is remembered for his nationalist ideas, social and economic reforms and federalist beliefs. Born in a small town, he was educated in various mission schools and took up many jobs to support his higher education. He got his first taste of politics when he became involved in the youth movements of that time. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, he got his law degree from London. Upon his return, he got actively involved in the independence movement, founding trade unions and the 'Action Group’ political party. He became the premier of the Western Region but was later imprisoned for sedition. He held several important positions in subsequent years. He authored many political books on Nigeria and was honored for his numerous achievements and contributions.
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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo

Died At Age: 78

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo

father: David Sopolu Awolowo

mother: Mary Efunyela Awolowo

children: Ayodele Soyode, Oluwole Awolowo, Segun Awolowo, Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Tola Oyediran

Born Country: Nigeria

Political Leaders Nigerian Men

Died on: May 9, 1987

place of death: Ikenne, Nigeria

Cause of Death: Natural Causes

Founder/Co-Founder: Action Group, Egbe Omo Oduduwa, Unity Party of Nigeria

More Facts

education: London School of Economics and Political Science, 1944 - University of London, Wesley College, Ibadan

  • 1

    What were some key achievements of Obafemi Awolowo?

    Obafemi Awolowo was a key figure in Nigeria's fight for independence and played a pivotal role in the formation of the Action Group political party. He also introduced free primary education in Western Nigeria and implemented various social welfare programs.
  • 2

    How did Obafemi Awolowo influence Nigerian politics?

    Awolowo was known for his progressive policies and strong leadership. He advocated for federalism, regional autonomy, and social justice, shaping the political landscape of Nigeria and inspiring future generations of leaders.
  • 3

    What was the ideology of Obafemi Awolowo?

    Awolowo was a proponent of democratic socialism and believed in the principles of social equality, justice, and welfare for all citizens. He promoted economic development, education, and healthcare as essential components of a thriving society.
  • 4

    What role did Obafemi Awolowo play in the Nigerian civil war?

    During the Nigerian civil war, Awolowo served as the Vice-Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and played a crucial role in managing the country's affairs. He supported the federal government's efforts to maintain unity and restore peace.
  • 5

    How did Obafemi Awolowo contribute to the economic development of Nigeria?

    Awolowo implemented various economic policies in Western Nigeria that focused on industrialization, agriculture, and infrastructure development. His initiatives aimed to boost the region's economy and improve the standard of living for its residents.
Childhood & Early Life
Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, Nigeria. His father was a sawyer and a farmer who passed away when he was ten. Details about his mother and siblings are not known.
He studied at various mission schools in the towns of Ikenne, Abeokuta and Ibadan.
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Career
Obafemi Awolowo started working early in life, first as a teacher in Abeokuta, then as a shorthand typist and later as a clerk at ‘Wesley College Ibadan’ while simultaneously working as a ‘Nigerian Times’ correspondent.
In 1940, he joined the ‘Nigerian Youth Movement’ and became the secretary of Ibadan branch.
In 1944, he acquired a ‘Bachelor of Commerce’ degree from ‘University of London’ through correspondence. Inspired by the Indian independence movement, he organized a grassroots-level protest against the palm kernel export ban that he believed would ignite African minds against the British colonial rule.
Thereafter, along with political activities, he took up various business ventures and jobs to fulfill his dream of studying law.
Soon after, Obafemi Awolowo went to London, got his law degree and became a barrister. While living in London, he was heavily involved in Nigerian independence activities, voicing his support for a federalist government to serve the diverse population of Nigeria.
In 1947, he returned to Nigeria and started practicing law in Ibadan. He also set up various trade unions in his free time.
In 1951, Obafemi Awolowo founded the political party, ’Action Group,’ and was elected its first president. He also won the first election of the Western Region that year.
From 1954-59, as the first premier of the Western Region, he worked assiduously to implement a range of public welfare programs related to access to primary education, agricultural development, improvements in rural healthcare, etc. He also attempted to ally with ethnic groups of neighboring regions in order to make ‘Action Group’ a nationwide party.
In 1959, he resigned from the premiership to run for the ‘Federal House of Representatives’, but his party was defeated, which brought him and another senior party member, Chief SL Akintola, to loggerheads.
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In 1963, as a result of the power struggle between him and Akintola, he was charged with sedition and sentenced to ten years in jail. In 1966, a military coup resulted in his freedom, end of the 'First Republic,’ and the death of Akintola.
From 1967–71, Obafemi Awolowo held the position of ‘federal commissioner for finance’ under the military administration during Nigeria’s ‘Civil War’.
In the mid-1970s, he held several important positions, including university chancellorship roles.
In 1978, after the removal of the ban on political activities, he became the leader of ‘Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)’.
In 1979, Obafemi Awolowo ran in and lost the presidential election. In 1983, he again lost the presidential election to politician Shehu Shagari. Following another political ban implemented by a military coup that year, he retired from politics.
Major Works
In 1947, Obafemi Awolowo wrote his first book ‘Path to Nigerian Freedom’.
In 1949, he started a private newspaper, ‘Nigerian Tribune’, to ignite nationalist sentiments among his countrymen and co-founded ‘Egbe Omo Oduduwa’ (Society of the Descendants of Oduduwa) for the preservation and study of Yoruba culture.
In 1960, he wrote his second book ‘Awo: An Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’ and ‘Anglo-Nigerian Military Pact Agreement’.
In 1966, Obafemi Awolowo penned ‘Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution’ while in prison.
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Between 1968 and 1985, he wrote many books like ‘The People's Republic’, ’Problems of Africa’, ‘Awo on the Nigerian Civil War’, and ’Adventures in Power.’
Awards & Achievements
In 1959, Obafemi Awolowo started the first television station in Africa, ‘WNTV’.
He was awarded honorary titles by the Republic of Liberia and Republique du Senegal.
In 1982, he was awarded Nigeria’s highest honor, 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).’
In 1992, the ‘Obafemi Awolowo Foundation’ was founded in his honor.
He coined the term ‘Naira’ for Nigeria’s currency, and since 1999, his image has been printed on the 100 Naira banknote.
He holds several honorary chieftaincy titles like ‘Losi of Ikenne’, ‘Lisa of Ijeun’, ‘Odofin of Owo’, etc.
He built Africa’s first modern sports arena, ‘Liberty Stadium’.
After his death, ’University of Ife’ was renamed ‘Obafemi Awolowo University’ in his honor.
Family & Personal Life
In 1937, Obafemi Awolowo married Hannah Idowu Dideolu, with whom he had three daughters and two sons.
On May 9, 1987, he died at his home in Ikenne, and was honored by leaders from across the country.
Facts About Obafemi Awolowo
Obafemi Awolowo was known for his impeccable fashion sense and was often seen wearing traditional Yoruba attire with a signature cap.
He was a prolific writer and author, having published several books on topics ranging from politics to economics and philosophy.
Awolowo was a skilled orator and his speeches were known for their eloquence and powerful delivery, earning him a reputation as a charismatic leader.
He had a deep love for education and was instrumental in establishing the first television station in Africa, which later became the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Awolowo was a strong advocate for social justice and equality, championing policies that aimed to uplift the marginalized and empower the masses.

See the events in life of Obafemi Awolowo in Chronological Order

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