A grandson of the late Nigerian nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, is dead.

Olusegun, who was the former executive director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), died at the age of 62.

The Awolowo family confirmed his death in a statement on Thursday.

The statement reads in part: “with extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather — Olusegun Awolowo.

READ ALSO:‘Deborah Samuel’s Murderers Remain Free’ – US Defends Designation Of Nigeria As CPC

“He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.

The family described him as a “painfully loyal servant to Nigeria” who dedicated his life to public service with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment.

“He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being. He loved his family. He loved his work.

“He loved his country. And he lived every day with purpose, humility and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him,” the statement added.

The family concluded by saying, “We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers have vowed to appeal his conviction, insisting that the judgment does not hold water.

Addressing the press at the Federal High Court shortly after Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment that sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment, his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, who was at the court as a consultant, said they were heading to the upper court.

He argued that a man cannot be convicted for mere spoken words, questioning why that should be the case at the Federal High Court.

“What kind of precedent is being laid here? We are heading to the Court of Appeal,” he said.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: ‎Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment For Terrorism

“The Court of Appeal is the only court in this country, or the next court in this country that sits as a jury. We are going to approach justices there to check out what happened in court today.

“And we are pretty sure the justices will agree with us that today was the symbol of the travesty of justice that everybody has been suspecting.”

He said further: “If the Court of Appeal disagrees with us, we head to the Supreme Court. Nnamdi Kanu is not going to stand convicted. He’s going to get overturned.

‎READ ALSO:JUST IN: Nigerian Govt Demands Death Sentence On Nnamdi Kanu

“This is the only day I have witnessed a man being convicted for mere pronouncements, just for what he said from his mouth, not what he did with his own hands.

“The verdict is not consistent with the evidence laid before the court. The sentence is overbroad, cruel and unusual.

“How can you convict a man for making a mere broadcast from a location that was never named and he never tied that broadcast to any single incident of violence, or even someone slapping someone, not to talk of terrorism.”

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja after being convicted on all seven counts of terrorism filed against him.

Justice James Omotosho, delivering judgment in Kanu’s trial, described him as a terrorist whose actions have led to bloodshed and destabilization in the South-East.

He said Kanu, who portrayed himself as a defender of his people, has instead endangered lives and national security.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Nigerian Govt Demands Death Sentence On Nnamdi Kanu

“The court finds that the defendant, Nnamdi Kanu, is an international terrorist and must be treated accordingly,” Justice Omotosho declared.

The judge emphasized that the prosecution presented credible and sufficient evidence to prove the case against Kanu. He also noted that Kanu failed to enter a defense, choosing instead to rest his case on the prosecution’s evidence.

Justice Omotosho is still delivering the remaining part of the judgment.