Gen Olanrewaju, Isale-Eko community mourn passing of cultural custodian, Ramonu Ologundudu
By KEMI KASUMU
The passing of Ramonu Ologundudu marks the end of an era for many in Isale-Eko, where he will be remembered as a devoted custodian of culture, history, and community values.
The Isale-Eko community has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned cultural advocate and community leader, Ramonu Ologundudu, whose contributions to the preservation of the area’s traditions and heritage earned him widespread respect.
In a tribute, former Minister of Communications Maj-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) described Ologundudu’s passing as a personal loss and a significant blow to the Isale-Eko community. He noted that the deceased was a man of strong convictions and a proud indigenous son of Isale-Eko who dedicated much of his life to the advancement of the community’s social and cultural institutions.
According to Olanrewaju, Ologundudu played a vital role in efforts to safeguard Isale-Eko from threats to its cherished traditions and cultural values. He was widely regarded as an authority on the history of Isale-Eko and its iconic festivals, particularly the revered Eyo cultural heritage.
The late Ologundudu came from a distinguished lineage known for service to the community. As the grandson of the legendary Baba Ologundudu, he upheld a family legacy of protecting and promoting the interests of Isale-Eko. His grandfather was celebrated for his efforts in maintaining peace and security within the community.
Ologundudu was also recognized as a loyal supporter and friend of the Idunganran Palace, where he worked closely with respected community leaders, including the late Baba Okiti, in advancing the cultural and traditional interests of Isale-Eko.
Describing his death as a shock to those familiar with the history and ancestry of Isale-Eko, Olanrewaju paid a heartfelt farewell to the deceased, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
According to General Olanrewaju, “Ramonu’s demise is a personal loss to me. He was a man of strength of purpose and indigenous son of Isale Eko. Ramonu was an accomplished member of the social and cultural foundations in the community of Isale-Eko, whose contribution made Isale-Eko safe and secure from gang invasions against our revered Isale -Eko traditions.
“Ologundudu, like his father, was a referenced material on the history and social and iconic festivals of Isale Eko, particularly Eyo cultural heritage. He belonged to the community leaders who are defenders of Isale Eko values and versatility. His death is a big shock to anyone who was conversant with Isale Eko ancestry. Before his death, he was a grandson of Baba Ologundudu, whose exploit about keeping Isale Eko safe and secure was well known.
“Ha! Erinwo! Ajanaku sun bi Ọkẹ. Awo lọ . Sad. Very sad . Aljannah Fridaus
“He was our Vice Chairman of Eyo Oba Alakete Pupa Ọkọlaba Ẹkun. He was also the Ọlọmọ of Ọmọ in Isaleko. Akọni lọ.
“Like His grandfather, he was a great supporter and friend of the great Idunganran palace, working in hand with my elder grandfather, Baba Okiti. Ramonu, aburo mi atata, rest in peace, Amin,” Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju prayed.
The passing of Ramonu Ologundudu marks the end of an era for many in Isale-Eko, where he will be remembered as a devoted custodian of culture, history, and community values.
