Iresi, Osun State – Saturday June 28, 2025
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, philanthropist and 2023 Ogun State governorship candidate, joined friends, family, and political associates on Friday, June 27, 2025, to honour the final burial rites of Madam Serah Tinuola Asunke Oke, mother of Hon. Tunde Oke, in Iresi, Osun State.
Ajadi, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), received a heartfelt welcome from the Oke family and was warmly received by the Osun State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan.
The solemn ceremony drew political and community leaders from across the South-West, creating an avenue for reflection on youth development, national unity, and community service. Beyond paying final respects to the late matriarch, the event also served as a platform for cross-party dialogue and grassroots engagement.
Born in 1943 to the Oyediran Yesufu family in Odeomu, Madam Serah Tinuola Asunke Oke was a revered fashion designer in Ile-Ife. She married Pa Gideon Aderogba Olaniyi Oke of Iresi, and together they raised several children, including Hon. Tunde Oke, a notable political figure in Osun State. She was remembered for her compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.
Speaking to journalists at the ceremony, Ambassador Ajadi reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable national development.
“Youth empowerment is not just a program; it is a lifeline for this country,” Ajadi said. “I believe in giving people tools to succeed—not just promises. Meeting Hon. Olagunju here reinforces the importance of collaboration across public and private sectors to uplift the next generation.”
Ambassador Ajadi has supported thousands of Nigerian youths through vocational training initiatives in tailoring, hairdressing, mobile phone repairs, and other trades, often providing start-up kits to help them launch their businesses.
Commending Ajadi’s grassroots initiatives, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan praised his efforts and emphasized the need for leaders to rise beyond political affiliations.
“Nigeria needs more people like Ambassador Ajadi—those who don’t wait for political office before making meaningful impact,” Olagunju said. “As Commissioner for Youth Affairs, I witness firsthand the challenges our young people face. We must work together to create lasting solutions.”
Hon. Tunde Oke, the bereaved, expressed deep appreciation for Ajadi’s presence and enduring support, recalling their partnership during the 2023 election campaign.
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“Ambassador Ajadi is a political stalwart with a heart for the people,” Oke said. “I was proud to serve as his campaign Director-General, not because of politics, but because of his vision. Though I’m from Osun and he contested in Ogun, I believed in the bigger picture—serving humanity.”
“Late Mrs. Serah Asunke Oke loved her children and worked hard to ensure they stood tall among their peers,” Hon. Oke said in an emotional tribute. “Though she didn’t have formal education, she became a successful tailor and respected community leader. She was more than a mother—she was a mentor to many.”
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Ambassdor Ajadi was accompanied by a strong delegation of NNPP leaders, including the South-West Public Relations Officer, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus; Ogun 2023 Central senatorial candidate, Hon. Kehinde Teluwo; Ifo Constituency II 2023 House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Akingbala Semiu; and Ogun Waterside House of Assembly 2023 candidate, Hon. Fatai Adenaya Modawoni. Their presence signaled a shared commitment to public service that transcends elections.
As tributes poured in for the late Madam Serah Tinuola, mourners celebrated a life defined by dignity, humility, and service. Her legacy lives on through the values she instilled in her children and the countless lives she touched.
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The farewell ceremony was a unique blend of cultural reverence and political solidarity—an inspiring testament to the enduring power of service, legacy, and unity.
