Awolowo, Obafemi

Awolowo, Obafemi (1909-1987), Nigerian nationalist and Yoruba political leader. Born in Ikenne, the son of a farmer, Awolowo was trained as a lawyer. In the 1940s he became involved in the politics of Nigeria and in 1951 organized the Action Group. He was premier of Western Nigeria from 1954 to 1959, when he became opposition leader in the federal House of Representatives. An unyielding advocate of federalism, he was arrested in 1962 for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Imprisoned in 1963, he was freed three years later by General Yakubu Gowon, head of Nigeria's military government. Serving as federal commissioner for finance (1967-1971), he resigned in protest over postponement of civilian rule. In 1979 he was an unsuccessful candidate in the Nigerian presidential election.