Daud Olatunji
A constellation of dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Shuaib Salis, former UK Ambassador Sarafa Isola, and a host of traditional leaders and eminent Nigerians gathered at the Abeokuta Club for an emotional evening of tributes in honour of the late Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu, CFR — the Mayegun of Egbaland, industrialist, philanthropist, and life president of the prestigious Abeokuta Club.
The event, titled “An Evening of Tributes in Honour of Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu”, was held to commemorate the life and legacy of the foremost Egba statesman who passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 96.
Chief Abudu, who was born on March 14, 1929, was widely celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the development of Egbaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large — through his investments in education, health, business, and community service.
Obasanjo: “He was my adviser and pillar”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a deeply personal tribute, described Chief Abudu as a “great icon and gentleman” who played a vital role in his life and the development of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).
“He was an adviser, supporter, and contributor,” Obasanjo said.
“Chief Abudu travelled abroad on two separate occasions solely for the advancement of the OOPL — on his own account and bill. I will be eternally grateful for what he did for me and the OOPL.”
Senator Shuaib Salis: “An inspiring father and mentor”
Senator Shuaib Salis, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District and led the opening prayer at the event, lauded Chief Abudu’s commitment to education and healthcare, describing him as an “inspiring father and mentor whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.”
According to Salis, “Through the Egba Science Education Foundation, he secured the future of many students’ dreams. On health, he donated Saje Hospital and the Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Hospital at Asero to the state government.”
He lamented the diminishing number of role models in Egbaland with Abudu’s demise and challenged the community to raise a new generation of visionaries.
Ambassador Sarafa Isola: “ Chief Abudu, A moral compass, a peacemaker”
Former High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Sarafa Isola, who represented the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, described the late Abudu as a “moral compass and father figure,” especially revered in chieftaincy matters.
He said, “Chief Abudu was part of a reconciliatory meeting in Oke-Ona that produced 23 landmark resolutions still guiding our traditional institutions. He was the last standing giant — disciplined, selfless, and a bridge-builder who lifted generations in law, business, and culture.”
Abeokuta Club: “We lost our guiding light”
In an emotional tribute, Acting President of the Abeokuta Club, Alhaji Nurideen Oyedele, described Abudu’s death as a monumental loss to the club and Egbaland.
“This is not the best time to exchange pleasantries because we have lost a big fish,” Oyedele said. “Chief Abudu was a reputable boardroom guru, a deeply rooted Egba man whose integrity shaped the lives of many.”
He noted that the late Abudu personally funded the Club’s tennis court, established Nobel House College, and was a pillar in the club’s development for over five decades.
Prof. Afolabi Soyode: “A colossus in service to humanity”
Speaking on behalf of the Club’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Afolabi Soyode said, “We are not mourning but celebrating a life of purpose and resilience. Chief Abudu was a colossus who invested in people, ideas, and infrastructure.”
He added, “His belief in education birthed the Nobel House and Egba Science Education Foundation. His generosity was never for show but always purposeful.”
Traditional Institutions and Academia Honour Abudu
Chief Akanni Akinwale, representing the Alake of Egbaland, recalled how Abudu made the highest individual contribution towards the construction of the Adire Hall.
“He championed transparency and accountability and left an indelible mark on Egba’s socio-cultural landscape.”
From the Agura of Gbagura, represented by Chief Ayodele Koleade, to the Olowu of Owu, represented by Chief Biodun Lashile, and Osile of Oke-Ona, represented by Ambassador Isola, traditional leaders agreed that Abudu’s legacy was monumental and transcended his titles.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, recalled the honorary doctorate conferred on Abudu in recognition of his “unmatched contribution to education and financial infrastructure” including the development of the university’s microfinance facility.
Alhaji Ibrahim Adisa ,the Secretary of the Egba Science Education Foundation who represented the foundation, revealed that over 2,000 students had benefitted from his scholarship initiatives.
He said “his priority was always the less privileged. He gave with a purpose and without seeking publicity.”
Family and Friends Share Reflections
On behalf of the family, Dr. Isola Abudu expressed deep appreciation to the Club and attendees, especially for the financial support offered to Chief Abudu’s widow during the ceremony.
Chief Bashorun Doja Adewolu, a close associate of the deceased, recalled 74 years of friendship and emphasized Abudu’s role in building science blocks in schools like Abeokuta Grammar School and supporting the installation of Oba Tejuoso.
Tributes also came from Nobel House College, Egba Indigene Global Association, and several others who affirmed that Abudu’s legacies would remain eternal.
Final Salute to a Legend
PLATFORM TIMES reports that many people continue to pour tributes on Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu, tributes for a man described as a nation-builder, an institution, and a father to many.
It was also reported that many people agreed that, from building hospitals to empowering youth, from promoting peace in traditional councils to establishing education foundations, the Mayegun of Egbaland indeed lived for others.
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