Civil Society Coalition, friends celebrate late Tunde Oladunjoye

The Civil Society Coalition in collaboration with friends of late Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, popularly called CATO on Sunday organized a befitting tribute in his memory, held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

Penpushing reports that the farewell programme for the deceased which include lecture delivered by a veteran journalist and human rights activist Richard Akinola was attended by number of people within outside Ogun State and Nigeria.

The organisers comprising 56 members on a platform designed for the take-off of activities towards the final burial of Oladunjoye, were equally committed to the success and well package events.

Penpushing also reports that they were adored in T-Shirts with Oladunjoye picture inscribed and in same vein, as part of the activities provided a documentary which tells story of events attended by the deceased while alive

The guest speaker at the event in his paper lamented that he never thought and imagined that he would stand speaking at an event on the passing of Tunde Oladunjoye, stressing that unfortunately nobody has control over death.

‘What really can man do about death and such matters over which he has no control, except to resign himself to saying to Hell! We may be afraid of death-those already armed with experience of life and death – but not the young who are forgiven their youth’, he stated.

Penpushing reports that Akinola said he has known Oladunjoye all his adult life, as student activist, when he chose him (Akinola) as his advisor, thereafter as activist with CDHR, and through his relationship with the French Embassy

‘I have known Olatunde Ayinde Oladunjoye all his adult life. First as a student activist (when he chose me as his advisor, always coming to my office when he had issues with school management), then as an activist in CDHR, through his relationship with the French Embassy which collaborated with him on some projects’.

‘Then, when he decided to join politics, he sought my blessings. Throughout his political trajectory, he always sought my opinions, giving me some insider perspectives, his challenges and how to navigate the slippery terrain of politics’, Akinola added.

‘He would share some developments with me privately because of their sensitive nature. He was some few close people who could recognize my voice without seeing me. There was an incident when both of us met at a hotel restaurant in Uyo. I was speaking with the waiter and Tunde, who never knew we both lodged in the same hotel, just said:” That is Baba Richie’s voice” as he turned to look at the direction l was seated. That was the level of closeness’.

Penpushing further reports that Akinola said the deceased was able to impact lives of people and left legacies that will last longer than him, just as he called on members of the civil society to use the opportunity of Oladunjoye’s passing to close ranks and stop denigrating each other.

‘I’m not saying it to massage the image of a fallen comrade but for someone l have known all through his adult life, l am saying the truth and nothing but the truth. We need to live a life that would impact the society’.

‘Even while on his sick bed in London, we were still exchanging ideas, and l even gave him an assignment which he said he would carry out after the Ramadan. We exchanged ideas, including the Rivers state crisis, when he told me, that though he was a staunch APC member, he was against the injustice being meted to Governor Fubara. That was Tunde for you – forthright, without guile.

‘I cannot conclude this speech without these words of admonition to our fellow comrades. And it has to do with the despicable practice of Comrades against comrades. The pull him Down syndrome is so pervasive among our cadres to the extent that the word comrade has lost its value’.

‘When soldiers are injured on the battlefield, they assist the injured but, in our case, we kill the wounded, lacerate one another with hateful and vengeful accusations, in a most devious, malicious and malevolent way. We connive with the political class to denigrate and peddle lies against one another. This has to stop. And l mean STOP’.

Penpushing also reports that Toyin Banjo who with Oladunjoye in London Hospital till he breathed his last, dropped emotional message which dropped tears on her face and number of other guests at the event

The London based owner of Gideon Orphanage Home for the aged and less privileged children in her remarks tagged Tribute to CATO, lamented that with heavy and broken heart and much pain to say goodbye to Oladunjoye

‘With a heavy and broken heart, and with so much pain, I say goodbye this afternoon to my brother, my uncle, my friend—my prayer partner, gist partner, shopping partner, business partner, mentor, motivator, adviser, encourager, and supporter. I could go on and on’. Banjo said

‘I met CATO on the streets of Facebook, through our mutual friend, Remmy Hazzan. They would often banter on different posts, and as Remmy’s friend, I’d always support CATO. He would say, “You see, even Toyin Banjo knows I’m right!”

‘That same year—on my birthday, September 20, 2020—I was celebrating with the children at Gideon Orphanage Home, as I usually do, along with the elderly, widows, and the physically challenged. Remmy invited CATO to join us. I was excited to finally meet him in person’.

‘He handed me an envelope and said, “This is a little token for your birthday. But since I see the kind of charity work, you’re doing, rest assured—we’re in this together.” That moment marked the beginning of a deep connection. We exchanged phone numbers, and from that day until he went into a coma, we never missed a day without talking or chatting’.

‘CATO had a heart of gold. He was a giver, a man of integrity. One of the reasons we bonded so well was because of his sincerity. I entrusted him with thousands of naira, and not a single kobo was ever misplaced or unaccounted for. He was trustworthy beyond measure’.

‘He encouraged me to buy the house I now live in at HID Estate—even when I said I had enough and didn’t want to buy. He told me, “Olori” (as he fondly called me), “you are a friend everyone should pray to have in their corner.” I never fully understood what he meant—until he passed’.

‘When I came to Nigeria in February 2025, I already knew he had been unwell. He would still respond to my chats, even in January, when there was a fire incident at the orphanage. Despite his illness—what he said was malaria—he found the strength from nowhere to rush to Asero and help. This was a man who had not stepped out for two weeks’.

‘When I arrived in Abeokuta, I went straight to his place before going to my house. As he walked out to meet me, I said, “Uncle Tunde, kí ló ṣẹlẹ́?” He told me he hadn’t been eating and had been sick. I was concerned—malaria shouldn’t linger like this. I told him, “You need to come to the UK to rest.

‘I booked his ticket and a hotel immediately. He chose to travel on March 1st—his birthday—and said he’d return on March 14th. But Uncle Tunde never returned. When he arrived in the UK, his daughter suggested he stay with her for proper care, and I agreed. I saw him the next day. He already had a doctor’s appointment on Monday, and after several tests, he was admitted to the hospital’.

‘I visited him every day—we talked, laughed, planned. I remember bringing him tuwo in the hospital. He ate it happily and said, “Olori, please bring tuwo daily.” I did—until he went into a coma’.

‘A few days before that, he began to appreciate me deeply, thanking God for the day our paths crossed. I still didn’t understand. He shared things about his family and opened up in ways I didn’t expect. I kept assuring him that everything would be fine. I told him, “You’re walking out of this hospital healed and whole.”

‘The following day, I visited him feeling at peace—he was full of life. I never imagined he was saying goodbye. A few days later, I told him I’d be away for Mother’s Day weekend but would keep in touch. That same evening, I got a call from his daughter—there was an emergency. We had all left the hospital together just hours before. When we arrived, he was already in the theatre. The doctors told us to pray’.

‘We prayed. We hoped. We cried. And he responded. But two weeks later, CATO gave up the fight. To say I will miss Uncle Tunde is an understatement. No one can fill the space he occupied in my life. But I thank God for a life well spent. Sleep on, CATO. Until we meet to part no more’, Banjo stated.

Penpushing reports that Chief (Mrs)Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on arrival at the venue, could not hold back tears as she was been ushered in by Founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, who had to consoled her.

The wife of former President in her tribute commended the organisers of the event for deeming it fit to celebrate Oladunjoye even after death, pointing out that from her closeness with him, she could attest to the fact that he touched many lives in positive way

‘Without serving humanity, you are not serving God. Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye was a dogged man who had served humanity and had impacts on people. When you called me for this programme, I recalled his legacy, his foundation (Oniroyin Supportive Initiative) when he decided to help the widows of deceased journalists’.

Penpushing further reports that the legacies of the deceased must be sustained, lamenting that not quiet long time ago he introduced her to his wife, that Oladunjoye died, adding that it was painful, however, prayed for his soul to rest in perfect peace

The Chairperson Board of Trustees of Oniroyin Support Initiative, Funke Fadugba in her tribute expressed optimism that Oladunjoye’s legacy will definitely outlive him, adding that the deceased who worked beyond bylines, headlines and storylines

‘Beyond the bylines, headlines, and storylines, journalists are individuals with families, dreams, and struggles. They make immense sacrifices in pursuit of truth and the public’s right to know, often braving danger, hardship, and uncertainty to uncover vital stories and amplify the voices of the voiceless’.

‘However, when the cameras stop rolling, the newsroom lights dim, and the pens cease writing. Who cares for these dedicated professionals? Unfortunately, when journalists lose their lives in the line of duty or pass on at prime ages, their families and loved ones usually face various daunting challenges.

‘It is precisely this concern, among others, that prompted the establishment of Oniroyin Support Initiative, a registered non-profit, humanitarian, and non-governmental organisation committed to providing financial support to families of deceased journalists’, Fadugba said.

The Oniroyin Support Initiative, which is a brainchild of seasoned media professional, pro-democracy activist and former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, also seeks to render assistance to journalists grappling with health challenges through a well-designed drug support scheme’, she added.

Penpushing also reports that Fadugba who doubles as Chairman Editorial Board of Penpushing Media recalled that on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the organisation launched a groundbreaking empowerment programme in Abeokuta, Ogun State, aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by journalists and their families, and providing a vital lifeline of hope and support to the families of journalists who have made indelible marks before their demise.

‘The event, where a minute-silence was observed in honour of departed journalists in the state, drew dignitaries from within and outside the media profession. It witnessed the presentation of over N1.5 million in cheques and other support to families of deceased journalists and one who has mental health issue’.

‘Additionally, the beneficiaries and others that attended the event enjoyed free medical screenings, medications, and consultations courtesy of the free medical outreach carried out in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Health’.

‘Our goal is to appreciate the event, but beyond today’s gathering, Tunde Oladunjoye midwived and birthed this young vision, Oniroyin Support Initiative. While battling for his life at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan, Oladunjoye was more concerned about the welfare of others’, Fadugba added.

‘He was putting finishing touches to the unveiling of his pet project, care for health challenged journalists, and widows of late journalists. This project, incidentally his last public event, signified his determination, compassion, and legacy’.

‘As we are gathered here today, we want to count on the goodwill being demonstrated by you worthy comrades, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers of CATO for the survival of this initiative. Oniroyin Support Initiative is Oladunjoye.

‘Please, don’t let his vision and legacy be buried with him. We count on you all that Oniroyin Support Initiative, the legacy of Olatunde Ayinde Oladunjoye may truly outlive him. Thank you’, Fadugba emphasised.

Penpushing reports that the initiator of the programme Barrister Solomon Bankole earlier in his welcome address thanked guests for honouring invitation to give Oladunjoye a commendable farewell

The leader of the coalition admitted that the night of tribute was a huge success and it was an eye opener for him, having also learnt a lesson that will follow himself to his grave.

‘I am not sure if I am qualified to be called his friend because there is a huge difference between a friend and a paddy but all I know and clear to me is that no comrade in Ogun state was close to CATO than myself’,

‘I know him to his house, we have eaten together in the same plate, slept together in same hotel, involved in few business transactions on his behalf that I won’t be able to disclose here and he had shared few confidential information me, ranging from his life, to family and his ambitions’.

‘As the chairman of CSO AND PRO DEMOCRACY GROUPS IN OGUN STATE, Tunde Oladunjoye was the interface between the civil society and the government, especially on June 12 celebration and I know how Tunde would go out of his way to tell me to invite comrades outside Ogun state to the occasion and I know many, as the chief host, that I have taken to hotel at the expense of CATO.

‘I have personally distributed money into the hands of comrades as instructed by CATO and I know those he had helped by sending money to them when the occasion arises. Tunde Oladunjoye has not been interred and I will not like to associate his name with any controversy, if not, I would have mentioned their names and nothing would have happened’.

‘How I wish Tunde died after June 12, they would have poured in on his Invite and be saying CATO CATO but since his demise, no one has saying anything or behaving as a benefactor from his kind heart’.

‘I have learnt my lesson, I have promised myself to love myself and family more, I have promise to select those that I know can be of value to me if and when the unexpected happens’, Bankole added.

‘Ha, people are wicked, they are what Yoruba called owo epo…… So, u guys were just pretending to be CATO friends but despite all that said and publicise about his tribute, put on Sunday so as not to affect your business plans, you refused either to contribute a dime or show up for his tribute’.

‘Richard Akinola, God will spare your life in good health, prosperity and happiness for us, God will cover your nakedness, you won’t die without seeing the children of you children and at a very advanced age and others that identified with him at death.

‘Comrade, love your family, Iove your immediate family, have something doing, have a source of income, learn a trade, have a profession because when dey don dey u….. No comrade or organisation can save u or be there for you.

Penpushing further reports that the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo in his own tribute described the late media icon as a dogged fighter who was relentless in pursuing his dreams.

The broadcast journalist and philanthropist, equally called on the Ogun State Government and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to adopt the Oniroyin Support Initiative (OSI) as a lasting way to immortalise  Oladunjoye.

Penpushing also reports that Adeyemo, founder of the Oko Opo Foundation which supports widows, children, and the less privileged, praised Oladunjoye’s life of service and vowed to support the Oniroyin Support Initiative through his foundation, affirming that Oladunjoye had already immortalised himself through the noble cause.

“Oladunjoye was dogged fighter and stubborn towards achieving his dream. I thank God for wonderful life well spent. Tunde Oladunjoye has immortalised himself with Oniroyin Support Initiative.

Penpushing reports that he disclosed that on his part as promoter of Oko Opo Foundation, he will make available the hall, podium, within Pelican Valley Estate for free use by Oniroyin Support Initiative for any of its activities.

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