Chief Mrs. Tola Oyediran (1941 – October 16, 2020) was a respected Nigerian media leader and the eldest child of the late statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist and political thinkers. Her passing, just two months before her 80th birthday, drew tributes nationwide and underscored the enduring influence of the Awolowo family on Nigeria’s public life.

Guiding the Nigerian Tribune and ANN

Until her death, Oyediran served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN)—the publishing group founded by her father in 1949 that produces the Nigerian Tribune, Sunday Tribune and Saturday Tribune. These titles, among the country’s oldest surviving newspapers, have long provided a platform for democratic dialogue and fearless journalism.

Through her leadership at ANN, Oyediran upheld the Awolowo tradition of political engagement and advocacy for good governance, ensuring the Tribune retained its reputation as a credible, independent voice in Nigeria’s media landscape.

“Mama Ibadan”: Community Matriarch

Affectionately known as “Mama Ibadan,” she was cherished not only for her stewardship of the press but also for her generosity and role in community development in Oyo and Ogun States. Family and associates frequently recalled her warmth and commitment to preserving the ideals of her parents, Chief Obafemi and Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Awolowo—values of integrity, service and education.

Legacy and Tributes

Her death prompted condolences from across the political and media spectrum. Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun lauded her for “sustaining her father’s legacy of principled journalism and public service.” Media professionals likewise hailed her as a guardian of the Tribune’s independence and as a mentor who championed ethical reporting.

Chief Mrs. Tola Oyediran’s life stands as a testament to resilient leadership and the power of family legacy. By carrying forward the Awolowo vision, she ensured that truth and justice remained at the heart of Nigerian journalism.

Sources:

“Tola Oyediran, Awolowo’s Eldest Daughter, Dies at 79,” The Guardian Nigeria, 17 Oct. 2020.

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General Adetunji Idowu Ishola Olurin (3 December 1944 – 21 August 2021) was a distinguished Nigerian soldier and public administrator whose career bridged the nation’s military and political spheres. Rising to the rank of Major General, he played pivotal roles in state governance and regional peacekeeping during key moments of West African history.

Early Life and Military Career

Born in Ilaro, Ogun State, Olurin attended primary and secondary schools in the old Western Region before entering the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. Commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1967, he served in various command and staff positions, earning a reputation for discipline and strategic insight.

His professional training included courses at the Command and Staff College, Jaji, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, equipping him for both military operations and administrative leadership.

Military Governor of Oyo State (1985–1988)

During the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, Olurin was appointed Military Governor of Oyo State. His tenure focused on maintaining security and supporting development projects typical of military governance of the era, while navigating the political sensitivities of mid-1980s Nigeria.

Leadership in West African Peacekeeping

Olurin’s most internationally recognised assignment came in 1992–1993, when he served as Field Commander of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) during the First Liberian Civil War. At a time of intense conflict, he coordinated multinational forces to stabilise Monrovia and enforce a fragile ceasefire. His leadership won him respect across the region and highlighted Nigeria’s central role in West African peacekeeping.

Civil Administration and Politics

After retiring from active military service, Olurin was appointed Sole Administrator of Ekiti State in 2006 during a political crisis. His mandate was to restore order and ensure a smooth return to civilian governance.

In 2011 he entered partisan politics, contesting the Ogun State gubernatorial election as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), though he was not elected.

Death and Legacy

Major General Olurin died on 21 August 2021 in Lagos after a brief illness. Tributes from political leaders, military colleagues and community figures celebrated his dual legacy as a soldier-statesman and a key architect of Nigeria’s contributions to regional security.

His career exemplified a generation of Nigerian officers whose service extended beyond the barracks—shaping both national politics and West African peace efforts.

Sources:

“Major General Adetunji Olurin Passes Away at 76,” Premium Times, 21 Aug. 2021.

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Colonel Shittu Alao (1937 – 15 October 1969) remains one of the defining figures in Nigeria’s military history. As the second indigenous Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), he helped transform the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) from a fledgling service into a key arm of national defence during the turbulent years of the Nigerian Civil War.

Early Life and Military Training

Born in 1937 in northern Nigeria (many contemporary sources cite Dorowa Babuje in present-day Plateau State), Alao received his early education locally before joining the Nigerian Army at a time when the country was seeking to develop its own air power.

In 1963, he was among the first four Nigerian officers seconded to the newly created NAF to assume command from the German Luftwaffe team that had initially helped establish the service. He trained in West Germany for a one-year indoctrination course in air operations and strategy—an experience that laid the groundwork for his rapid rise through the ranks.

Rise Through the Nigerian Air Force

On returning to Nigeria, Alao was appointed Senior Air Operations Officer at NAF headquarters, where his professionalism and technical skill stood out. His combination of operational expertise and natural leadership quickly marked him as a key architect of the young Air Force.

Chief of the Air Staff During Civil War

On 5 August 1967, in the early months of the Nigerian Civil War, Alao became the second indigenous Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Brigadier George T. Kurubo. He guided the Air Force through one of the most challenging periods in the nation’s history.

Known for a hands-on style of command, Alao was reported to personally take part in certain bombing missions—an unusual and courageous practice for someone of his rank. His direct involvement inspired confidence among pilots and helped to shape the NAF into a combat-ready force.

Tragic Death in Service

Colonel Alao’s career was cut short on 15 October 1969 when his Aero L-29 Delfín, a Czechoslovakian jet trainer used by the NAF for both training and light combat roles, crashed near Uzebba, about 80 kilometres northwest of Benin City.

While attempting an emergency landing after encountering severe weather and running low on fuel, the aircraft struck a tree and crashed, killing him instantly. He was buried three days later, on 18 October 1969, with full military honours at the Ikoyi Military Cemetery in Lagos.

Legacy and Recognition

Colonel Shittu Alao is honoured as a founding father of the Nigerian Air Force. His leadership during the Civil War helped lay the institutional and operational foundation of the modern NAF. His bravery, professionalism and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Nigerian air officers and remain a touchstone in the history of Nigeria’s armed forces.

Sources

Nigerian Air Force official history archives

Daily Times (Nigeria) reports on the October 1969 crash

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