The former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late Maiyegun of Egbaland, Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu, OFR.
The influential traditional chief who doubled as the Seriki of Oke-Ona and life patron of Abeokuta Club, breathed his last at the age of 96.
In an emotion-ladder tribute made available to Theliberationnews on Monday, Isola who is the Tayese of Oke-Ona Egba and Tayese of Egbaland described Abudu as one of the standing giants of his generation hailing his legacies of meritorious service and selfless commitment to humanity.
“Today, June 9, 2025, we bid farewell to one of the last standing giants of his generation, Chief Olatunde Abudu, who lived with grace, served with honour, and departed this world at the noble age of 96,” Isola began in the glowing tribute.
The former Nigerian envoy extolled Abudu’s virtues of integrity, discipline and dignified service describing him as a worthy father figure and moral compass.
“Born on March 14, 1929, Chief Abudu’s life was one of discipline, vision, and dignified service. He was a lawyer of high repute, an industrialist of impact, and above all, a father and mentor whose presence exuded wisdom and warmth. As Maiyegun of Egbaland, Seriki of Oke-Ona Egba, and Life Patron of the Abeokuta Club, he represented a unique convergence of tradition, progress, and integrity.
“To me personally, Chief Abudu was more than a revered elder—he was a moral compass and a steady hand in moments of political and cultural reflection. He was someone I admired deeply, a true father figure whose quiet strength and impeccable values enriched my journey through public life. His words were few, yet full of meaning. His actions spoke volumes of his character and commitment to the community,” he said.
He went on to describe Abudu’s passing as not only a personal loss to him but a monumental loss to the entire Ogun state adding that the vacuum left by his demise in the family, as a towering chief in Oke-Ona and entire Egbaland as well as an elder-statesman in Nigeria will be hard to fill.
“To the family, the death of Chief Abudu is a deeply personal loss. His wise counsel, familial warmth, and grandfatherly presence were gifts most cherished. He always made time to extend his blessings, even in the midst of many challenges of life. I am sure the family shall miss him dearly.
“To Oke-Ona Egba, Chief Abudu was the embodiment of loyalty and leadership. As Seriki, he held firm the cultural pillars of our people and always gave voice to the aspirations of our lineage with dignity and pride. He was a custodian of traditions and a peacemaker in times of tension.
“To Egbaland, his passing is monumental. Chief Abudu was one of the last bridges between our ancient heritage and modern identity. As Maiyegun, he was the voice of culture, diplomacy, and unity. He played his part in lifting Egba sons and daughters across sectors—business, law, culture, and governance—without seeking fanfare or favour.
“To Nigeria at large, he was a quiet icon. His contributions to legal scholarship, industrial development, and elite civic organizations placed him among the builders of modern Ogun State and indeed Nigeria.
“Though we mourn, we are comforted by the beauty and fullness of his life. Chief Abudu lived through almost a century of national transformation, and he never faltered in his devotion to service, faith, family, and community. His 96 years were a gift to humanity.
“May the Almighty Allah grant his noble soul eternal rest. May God provide fortitude to the family, friends, and associates across the world. May we all, in our various capacities, continue to uphold the values that Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu, OFR represented—values of honour, excellence, humility, and enduring legacy,” the statement concluded.
