Prominent personalities including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former governors of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Monday paid glowing tributes to the late industrialist and educationist, Chief Olatunde Abudu, who was laid to rest at the age of 96.
The dignitaries gathered in Abeokuta, the state capital, for the 8th-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the Mayegun of Egbaland, who passed away on June 9, 2025.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun described Chief Abudu as a towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector and a passionate advocate of education and human capital development.
“In every phase of his life, Chief Abudu stood out,” the governor said. “He was an early pioneer in private sector development and a firm believer in education as a tool for empowerment. His contributions to the socio-economic transformation of Abeokuta and Ogun State are profound and indelible.”
Abiodun praised Abudu’s lifelong commitment to community development, describing him as “a man who exemplified discipline, excellence, and public-spiritedness.”
“His legacy is evident in the institutions he established, the businesses he nurtured, and the countless lives he mentored. It is often said that there is hardly any transformative initiative in Abeokuta that doesn’t bear his imprint,” Abiodun said.
Chief Abudu, who held the traditional titles of Mayegun of Egbaland and Seriki of Oke Ona Egba, was also a founding patron of the prestigious Abeokuta Club.
In his tribute, former governor and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, described the late icon as “a humble and thorough man” who significantly contributed to the industrial growth of Egbaland.
“He brought numerous industries to the city. We shall remain eternally grateful for his contributions,” Osoba said.
Also speaking, former governor, Ibikunle Amosun, described Chief Abudu as a philanthropist whose footprint in the development of Ogun State remains unmatched.
“There is hardly any positive initiative in Ogun State that doesn’t carry his touch,” Amosun stated, praying Allah to grant him Aljanah Firdaus.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central, noted that Chief Abudu’s impact would continue to resonate for generations through his children, his educational legacies, and his charitable projects.
“He lived a well-deserving life and left behind three enduring legacies — his children, who are worthy ambassadors of his values; the knowledge he imparted through education and scholarships; and his acts of charity, including hospitals established in his name,” Salisu said.
The senator urged the attendees to draw inspiration from the exemplary life of the late elder statesman, describing him as “a global icon from Egbaland, whose contributions elevated the profile of Ogun State.”
Chief Olatunde Abudu’s life was marked by a rare blend of entrepreneurial excellence, philanthropy, and community service.
His passing, mourners say, marks the end of an era — but his legacy continues to illuminate paths for others.
His burial rites attracted captains of industry, traditional rulers, politicians, and members of the academic community, reflecting the broad influence of a man widely regarded as one of Ogun State’s greatest contributors to development.
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