Ambassador Tunji Isola honours legacy of late Chief Ayinla Abudu

Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and a distinguished traditional titleholder himself, has penned a moving tribute to the late Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu, OFR, the revered Maiyegun of Egbaland.

Chief Abudu, who also served as Seriki of Oke-Ona and was the life patron of the Abeokuta Club, passed away peacefully at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and cultural leadership.

In a heartfelt message shared on Monday, June 9, 2025, Isola, the Tayese of Oke-Ona Egba and Egbaland, described Chief Abudu as a towering figure of his generation—an exemplar of selfless dedication and a beacon of wisdom.

Born on March 14, 1929, Chief Abudu’s life was marked by discipline, vision, and a profound commitment to his community. A distinguished lawyer and impactful industrialist, he was also a nurturing father and mentor whose presence radiated warmth and sagacity. His unique blend of traditional authority and modern progressiveness made him a respected leader and custodian of Egba culture.

To Ambassador Isola, Chief Abudu was more than an elder—he was a moral compass and steady guide during times of political and cultural reflection. “His quiet strength and impeccable values profoundly influenced my public service journey,” Isola noted.

The ambassador emphasized that Chief Abudu’s death is not only a personal loss but a significant blow to Ogun State and Nigeria. His roles as a family patriarch, a cultural leader in Oke-Ona and Egbaland, and an elder statesman left an irreplaceable void.

Chief Abudu’s legacy as a loyal leader, cultural custodian, and bridge between tradition and modernity was celebrated as a cornerstone of Egba identity and Nigerian progress. His contributions to legal scholarship, industrial growth, and civic life positioned him among the architects of modern Ogun State.

“May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal peace, and may his family and all who knew him find strength in this time of loss,” Ambassador Isola concluded, urging continued dedication to the noble principles Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu lived by.