From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, as a huge loss to the nation.
Chief Lawson died at the age of 72 years yesterday morning. She was the past president of Abeokuta Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ABEOCCIMA) and NACCIMA and the proprietress of Lawson Group of Schools, Abeokuta.
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, said he received the news of the passing of the business magnate, educational entrepreneur and administrator with great shock.
He said that he took solace in the fact that the deceased left huge landmarks across a broad spectrum of the Nigerian landscape and would be remembered for being a blessing to thousands of Nigerians who crossed paths with her.
“The passing of Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson is without doubt a shocking development, but we are consoled by her sterling record of service to humanity and unblemished contributions to the development of Ogun State.
“Born into the highly distinguished Jiboku-Taiwo Family of Abeokuta, Chief (Mrs) Lawson was an exemplar of the popular Yoruba dictum of one born into nobility but who goes on to achieve self-rebirth, showcasing the timeless Omoluabi qualities that the Yoruba hold so dear.
“Whether as the first female president of NACCIMA, chairman of the board of the Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State; Otun Iyalode of the Egba Christians, or the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Lawson was the quintessential definition of a pacesetter. She was thoroughly accomplished and distinguished.
“Among other imperishable legacies, the Lawson’s Group of Schools comprising Lawson’s International Private School, Lawson’s Continuing Education Centre, Alaba Lawson Royal College, Abeokuta and Alaba Lawson School of Advanced Studies will continue to bear eloquent testimony to her genius. She will be sorely missed”, the governor was quoted to have stated in the statement.
Governor Abiodun, therefore, commiserated with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba (Dr) Adedotun Gbadebo, and his chiefs, the Lawson Family and the nation in general on her demise and prayed that the Almighty God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Similarly, Senator Solomon Adeola also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased, describing her death as a huge loss not only to the people of Ogun State but Nigeria as a whole.
Adeola, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Kayode Odunaro, expressed shock and sadness over the passing away of Lawson. “I received with great shock and sadness the passing away of Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, a great educationist and business woman that had impacted on many generations of Nigerians. Her passage is undoubtedly a huge loss to the nation in this period of our history when her experience, services and great philanthropy is sorely needed”, he said.
He added the late Iyalode of Yorubaland was a true heroine who contributed immensely to the development of education as well as economic development of the nation in the various roles she successfully held, adding “she is a role model for our womenfolk in her achievements”.
While commiserating with the immediate family of Mrs Lawson and the people of Ogun State for the irreparable loss, the Senator prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and fortitude for all dear to her to bear the irreparable loss.