A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and businessman, Otunba Tayo Adebanjo, popularly known as Hernersy, has expressed deep grief over the passing of Prince Segun Awolowo, describing his demise as “the departure of the last child of the skin—a gentle, perfect prince of the Awolowo dynasty whose life embodied humility, service, and an unwavering commitment to a better Nigeria.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Otunba Adebanjo recounted his decades-long relationship with the late prince, tracing their friendship back to the 1970s. According to him, while he was in the United States, Prince Segun Awolowo gained admission into the then Ogun State University, an institution founded through the visionary leadership of the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo.
He recalled that their bond strengthened during the military era when many Nigerians fled to Europe and America to escape the junta’s clampdown. As young patriots in their 20s and early 30s, they became deeply involved in efforts to resist military oppression.
“It was during this turbulent period that a number of us came together to form an alliance aimed at countering the excesses of military rule,” Adebanjo said. “We began consultations with Femi Fani-Kayode, drawing inspiration from icons such as the late Fani Kayode, Baba Awolowo, Bola Ige, and Chief Bisi Onabanjo, who all began their national service at similar ages.”
This collaboration gave birth to the Progressive Alliance Bull Bears, a formidable movement of about 42 committed members. Prince Segun Awolowo, Adebanjo stated, played a pivotal role in its formation by releasing his grandfather’s residence Baba Awolowo’s house on Park Lane, Akoka to serve as their operational base. The house became the group’s meeting point and the cradle of many bold, anti-military strategies.
The group soon became a major thorn in the side of the late Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime. Under the leadership of Femi Fani-Kayode as spokesperson, the alliance exposed government excesses “bumper to bumper,” ensuring that their communiqués reached the public through journalists such as Dan Abatse and Bayo Onanuga.
Members of the movement included the late Hon. Lola Edewo Abiola, eldest daughter of Chief M.K.O. Abiola; now-Senator Lanre Tejuosho; Abubakar Gubiri; Hon. Gbenga Onigbogi; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi who later served as Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and several others.
Despite the intense political pressure of the era, Adebanjo described Prince Segun Awolowo as a quiet but indispensable pillar. He recalled how the late prince took personal responsibility for the welfare of members during meetings at Park Lane, handling logistics and refreshments with humility. “He never allowed his royal background to influence his actions,” Adebanjo said.
He added that even during Prince Awolowo’s wedding ceremony in the 1980s, held at his father-in-law’s home on Community Road, Akoka, guests could barely identify the groom among the crowd due to his modest and unassuming nature.
“To me, Prince Segun Awolowo was the true definition of a quiet achiever present but unobtrusive, impactful yet humble. His contributions were always felt, even when he chose not to be seen,” Adebanjo said.
The APC chieftain further disclosed that among Baba Awolowo’s six children, the late prince was the last surviving one. The first Segun Awolowo died prematurely, making the departure of the Crown Prince Segun Awolowo another painful blow to the Awolowo dynasty.
“He came, he fought, and indeed, he won,” Adebanjo concluded. “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Adieu to a noble prince.”
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