By Prosper Mene
Pastor Funke Awolowo, granddaughter of the late Nigerian statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has resigned her membership in the Labour Party’s Lagos State Executive Committee, effective immediately. The announcement, made public on Friday, has sparked discussions within political circles due to her prominent family legacy and her stated reasons for stepping down.
Pastor Awolowo, who served as the Head of the Mobilisation and Integration Team for the Labour Party in Lagos, expressed deep concerns about the party’s direction in a resignation letter addressed to Lagos Labour Party Chairperson, Dayo Ekong. She cited a perceived erosion of integrity within the committee and its leadership, stating that personal interests had overshadowed the party’s commitment to impactful governance.
“For years, I have served with sincerity and dedication, committed to the vision of impactful governance,” Awolowo wrote. “However, when the purpose of service is blurred by personal interests and the space for integrity begins to shrink, it becomes necessary to step aside.” Her resignation cites her belief that continuing in her role would compromise her personal values and public image.
Despite stepping away from her formal role, Pastor Awolowo emphasized her unwavering commitment to public service and political engagement. “My dedication to national development and the political process remains steadfast,” she affirmed, hinting at continued involvement in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, albeit outside the Labour Party’s structure.
The granddaughter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a revered nationalist and one of Nigeria’s founding political figures, Pastor Funke Awolowo carries a significant legacy. Her grandfather’s contributions to Nigerian politics, particularly as a champion of federalism and social welfare, continue to resonate. Her resignation has thus drawn attention not only for its political implications but also for its symbolic weight, given her family’s storied history.
The Labour Party has yet to issue an official response to Awolowo’s resignation. Political analysts suggest that her exit could prompt further introspection within the party as it navigates its role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of future elections.
As news of the resignation spread, posts on X reflected a mix of surprise and support for Awolowo’s decision, with some users praising her for prioritizing integrity. “Funke Awolowo’s resignation shows principle over politics. The Labour Party needs to reflect,” one user wrote. However, these sentiments remain inconclusive and do not fully capture the broader public reaction.
Pastor Awolowo has not indicated her next steps but has left open the possibility of engaging in other platforms to advance her vision for Nigeria’s development.
