Chief Obafemi Awolowo remains one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential statesmen. A visionary leader, philosopher, and nationalist, Awolowo played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic trajectory before and after independence. He was known for his intelligence, discipline, and unwavering commitment to justice and good governance.
On May 9, 1987, Chief Obafemi Awolowo passed away in his hometown of Ikenne, Ogun State, at the age of 78. For many years, his death was widely believed to have been the result of natural causes. However, over the decades, speculation and alternative accounts have emerged—some of them controversial—suggesting that his passing may have been linked to deeper political undercurrents.
The Official Story: A Quiet End to a Noble Life
The publicly accepted version of events is that Chief Awolowo died peacefully in the early hours of the morning while preparing for his day. Reports state that he collapsed in the bathroom while brushing his teeth. Tributes poured in from across the nation and beyond. The country mourned the passing of a great patriot, and his funeral drew dignitaries and admirers from around the world.
But was that the full story?
The Unspoken Narrative: Did Awolowo Take His Own Life?
In recent years, a flurry of online articles, memoirs, and interviews—many citing unnamed insiders and close allies—have reignited interest in the circumstances surrounding his death. Some of these sources allege that Chief Awolowo may have taken his own life due to immense political frustration and betrayal.
According to this controversial account, the late sage had allegedly been planning a strategic power move against the then-military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida. The claim suggests that Awolowo and a group of political allies were working behind the scenes to thwart Babangida’s alleged ambition to hold on to power indefinitely.
This plan, however, was said to have been compromised when one of the insiders reportedly betrayed the group and leaked sensitive information about the plot to the military regime. The betrayal exposed the entire operation and placed Awolowo in grave danger.
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The Alleged Betrayal: A Rift Within
One of the most sensational parts of this story is the naming of the alleged informant—Chief Lateef Jakande, the former Executive Governor of Lagos State. Although Jakande publicly denied these accusations until his death in 2021, some claim that internal evidence and testimonies pointed fingers in his direction. Nonetheless, nothing was ever proven in court or officially recognized.
According to the same sources, General Babangida, upon discovering the plan, allegedly confronted Chief Awolowo with threats of imprisonment, political disgrace, or even exile. Faced with such prospects and the collapse of his last major political mission, Awolowo was said to have gathered his remaining loyalists one last time before allegedly taking poison to end his life—an act he may have considered noble rather than face public humiliation.
Truth or Conspiracy?
Despite the intrigue and drama surrounding this version of events, no official documents or investigations have confirmed any of these claims. The Federal Government has never acknowledged any foul play, and many of Chief Awolowo’s family members and close friends have never publicly subscribed to the suicide theory.
It is worth noting that Nigeria in the 1980s was a politically volatile landscape. Military coups, betrayals, and behind-the-scenes power struggles were common. In such an environment, it is possible that multiple layers of truth and fiction have been intertwined over the years, giving birth to legends that are hard to verify.
Legacy Beyond Controversy
Regardless of how he died, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s contributions to Nigeria’s development remain indelible. He championed free education, visionary economic planning, regional autonomy, and the use of media to enlighten the public. His speeches, books, and ideologies still serve as academic and ideological references for many political thinkers today.
Whether his death was natural or politically induced, one thing is clear—Chief Awolowo lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Conclusion
While alternative narratives about Chief Awolowo’s death might be compelling, they remain largely speculative without solid evidence. What is certain, however, is that Nigeria lost one of its brightest minds and most principled politicians in 1987. Perhaps the greater focus should be on living out the ideals he stood for—justice, education, and service to humanity.
