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Ibadan was thrown into mourning yesterday following the death of renowned journalist, public relations practitioner, author and traditional chief, Oloye Lekan Alabi, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Alabi, a former Chief Press Secretary and Press Secretary to successive Oyo State governors and one of the foremost authorities on the history and culture of Ibadan, died in Lagos at the age of 76.
His death was announced in a statement by the media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Mr Adeola Oloko. Family sources said he would be buried today (Sunday) in accordance with Islamic rites.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in his glowing tribute, described Alabi’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Oyo State but also to Nigeria, saying the late elder statesman made invaluable contributions to journalism, culture and public service.
He said Alabi was “a man of immense wisdom, integrity and dedication,” whose voice carried the weight of truth and whose counsel was sought by leaders across generations.
Makinde added, in a statement issued by Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, his Special Adviser on Media, that the deceased remained unwavering in his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and values, describing him as one of Oyo State’s finest sons.
The governor sympathised with the Alabi family, friends and associates, the Ibadan community and the people of Oyo State. He enjoined them to take solace in the enduring impact of the deceased’s life and legacy. He prayed that God would grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The 2027 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, in his tribute, described Alabi’s death as a monumental loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria. He added that his distinguished career reflected intellectual excellence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to public service and the progress of Ibadanland.
According to Alli, the late journalist’s footprints in journalism, public service and the traditional institution remain indelible. He commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Alabi family, journalists and associates of the deceased, as he prayed that God would grant him eternal rest.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, also described Alabi’s death as a colossal loss to journalism, Ibadanland and the nation.
The council said he was an exceptional journalist, administrator, author and mentor, whose contributions to the profession transcended news reporting and inspired generations of media practitioners.
In a statement jointly signed by NUJ Chairman in the state, Akeem Abas, and Secretary, Temidayo Adu, the council said Alabi’s transition had created a huge vacuum in the journalism profession and traditional institution.
It urged younger journalists to uphold the values of professionalism, courage, discipline and public service that defined his illustrious career, while praying that Allah would grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Born on October 27, 1950, in Ibadan, Alabi began his journalism career at Onibonoje Press before joining the defunct Sketch Newspapers. He later worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan, and was among the pioneer editorial staff of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), where he became the first chapel chairman of the NUJ.
Between 1983 and 1989, he served as Press Secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State before retiring as General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Odu’a Investment Company Limited.
A prolific author and respected custodian of Ibadan history and culture, he devoted his life to preserving the heritage of Ibadanland and the Yoruba people, leaving behind an enduring legacy in journalism, public service and the traditional institution.
