Nigerian industrialist and educationist, Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu, has died.

The PUNCH gathered that the Egba Chief and popular socialite breathed his last earlier on Monday at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the age of 96.

In accordance with Islamic rites, his remains was buried same day within the premises of the Nobel House College, Abeokuta, a school he established many years ago.

The Chief Imam of Egbaland, Saad Bamgbola, conducted the ‘Janazat’ prayer in the presence of prominent Abeokuta indigenes.

The dignitaries who attended the burial included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator representing Ogun central, Shuaibu Salisu, former governor Ibikunle Amosun, and former UK High Commissioner Sarafa Tunji Isola.

Speaking at the burial, Obasanjo paid glowing tributes to the nonagenarian, saying his place would be hard to fill.

Highlighting his contribution to the business world, Obasanjo said, “He was the greatest industrialist in Abeokuta and in Ogun State. His place will be very hard to fill.”

Also speaking, ex-governor Amosun said, “Chief Abudu gave his all to us in Abeokuta, and Ogun State and by extension the entire Nigeria.

“Hardly anything would be happening positively in Abeokuta that you would not see his footprints, his hand in all of those beautiful things that are happening.”

Amosun recalled how Abudu, in his lifetime, would tell him the hard truth even as governor.

“ I can remember, when I was governor, he was one of the very few who would say things the way it is in a calm manner.” (The PUNCH)