By Babalola Gafar
The solemn farewell ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria, including past and present governors, senators, and traditional rulers, who came to celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the Mayegun of Egbaland, Seriki of Oke Ona Egba, and Patron of the Abeokuta Club.
In his address , the Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, paid glowing tribute to the late icon, describing him as a towering figure in the Nigerian industrial sector and a committed educationist whose impact transcended generations.
“Chief Abudu wasn't only referred Egba Chief he was a tiring figure in the Nigeria industry and a committed educationist whose vision for human capital development transformed lives and strenghten institutions, in every phase of his life Chief Abudu stood out, he was an early pioneer in private sector development amd advocate for education as a tool of empowerment and a firm believer in communal progress.
“His legacy is visible in the school he established the businesses he nutured amd countless lives he mentored and uplifted.
“It has been rightful said that there hardly any transformative initiative in Abeokuta that he doesn't wear his imprint, he lived a life of success, quiet, yet firmed in his conviction, traditional yet forward thinking, personal yet profounding public, in a era when service to community is always devalued, Baba remain a steadfast example of it mean to live a life anchor the values rooted in faith development.
“Though his passage marked end of an era, his legacy endures. He left the conner of the wold better than he met.”
Meanwhile, Former Governor of Ogun State and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, described Chief Abudu as a humble, thorough, and impactful leader.
“He was a great industrialist who contributed immensely to the development of Egbaland. We shall forever be grateful to him for bringing numerous industries to this city,” he said.
Another former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, also paid tribute to Chief Abudu’s immense contributions.
He said “May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus, because he did a lot not just for us in Egbaland alone , in Ogun State and indeed Nigeria, foremost industrialist , philanthropist, there’s nothing about us in Ogun State , all positive things. You’ll see his impact.”
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central, reflected on the Islamic principle that a person’s deeds continue through three enduring legacies: righteous offspring, beneficial knowledge, and ongoing charity.
“He said he has left children who are worthy ambassadors of his value, we have also seen that he was a purveyor of knowledge as key development for other as long as those people who have benefited from his knowledge, scholarship for as long as they exist they will continue to reap the work
“Thirdly, he has also giving behind charity that continue to benefit. He has ate least two or three hospitals to his name . For those of us who are still living, let’s draw inspiration from the live for this great man .
“We have a global renowned in Egba land , in Ogun state , one of the greatest contributors to that renowned has just gone .
“The challenge is to build new set of people that will take over from their generation. They have done their bit, may their labor never be in vain.”
