Former Big Brother Naija star and grandson of the legendary Obafemi Awolowo, Seyi Awolowo, has shared personal insights about his relationship with his late father, Oluwole Awolowo, and the complexities of his family’s legacy.
Seyi delved into how his father instilled the value of money and the weight of carrying the Awolowo name in a candid conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo on the Just Chude podcast, which Per Second News monitored on Thursday.
Despite their prestigious lineage, Seyi emphasised that his father ensured he and his siblings understood the value of their privileges.
“We were born with a silver spoon, but my dad made sure that we understood the value of the silver that was in our mouths,” Seyi remarked.
He also revealed a more tumultuous side of their relationship, sharing that his father disowned him and his siblings multiple times.
“My dad disowned me a couple of times—not just me but a number of us. He would write us letters to let us know that we were cut off. We don’t even know the reasons why he disowned us at times.
“He told me, ‘Don’t worry, you are Awolowo’s grandchild; you have money.’ I had literally built a complete pitch and everything—a presentation about the money I needed,” Seyi explained.
Reflecting on the challenges of living in the shadow of his famous grandfather, Seyi expressed mixed feelings about the Awolowo name.
“I do not wish I had the Awolowo name. Being in the shadows of my granddad has made me see that even if I was hungry for something, if I did not have something to ginger me, I wouldn’t put in the effort. I think I know how to be comfortable in my comfort zone,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, Seyi acknowledged his father’s significant impact on his life.
“My dad is late, but my mum is still very much alive. My dad was a very unbreakable character in my life; his influence in my life put me in a mindset that I cannot take life for granted and I need to apply myself,” he added.
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