Hon Waliu Owode (Ologunebi) Mourns as Political Matriarch Alhaja Mujidat Abeke Ogunnaike Passes On at 76
May 12, 2025 | Abeokuta
The political and traditional circles of Ogun State are in mourning following the passing of Alhaja Mujidat Abeke Ogunnaike (Oluaye), the revered mother-in-law of 2023 PDP gubernatorial candidate Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu. The influential community leader breathed her last on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at age 76.
A Titan of Ogun Politics
Alhaja Ogunnaike, mother of Chief (Mrs) Adenike Adebutu, was a formidable force in Sagamu politics and beyond, holding prestigious titles including:
- Iyalode Akarigbo
- Yeye Oba of Fojege
- Yeye Atunobase of Ode-Lemo
- Otunba Fiwagboye of Emuren
Her decades of grassroots mobilization earned her the affectionate moniker “Oluaye” (One Who Commands Respect) among political associates and traditional institutions.
Adebutu’s Heartfelt Tribute
In an emotional statement released through his media aide Afolabi Orekoya, Hon. Adebutu described his mother-in-law as “a political powerhouse who built bridges across party lines” and “a second mother to countless community members.”
“Alhaja was more than family – she was my political confidant and moral compass,” the former gubernatorial candidate stated. “Her home in Sagamu served as sanctuary for party faithful, community leaders and the underprivileged alike. We’ve lost a rare gem whose life embodied selfless service.”
Legacy of Empowerment
The late matriarch was renowned for:
✓ Championing women’s participation in politics
✓ Funding educational scholarships for indigent students
✓ Serving as patron to over 20 community associations
✓ Pioneering microcredit schemes for market women
Political allies across party lines, including APC chieftains, have begun paying condolence visits to the Adebutu residence in Iperu, acknowledging Alhaja’s cross-partisan impact.
Final Rites
Burial arrangements will be announced by the family after completion of Islamic rites. Governor Dapo Abiodun is expected to declare official mourning once funeral details are finalized.
As tributes pour in from across Yorubaland, Alhaja Ogunnaike’s legacy endures through the thousands of lives she touched and the political structures she helped build. Her passing marks the end of an era in Ogun State’s socio-political landscape.
“May Allah grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus and give the Adebutu and Ogunnaike families the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.” – Hon. Adebutu’s closing prayer
