Makinde, Olubadan, CCII, eminent citizens mourn as Ibadan high chief, Lekan Alabi, dies at 76

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), and other prominent individuals and socio-cultural groups are grieving the death of the Abese Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi.

Oloye Alabi passed away during a brief illness in Lagos on Saturday and will be buried according to Islamic rites at his residence in Akobo, located in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Sunday.

During his lifetime, Alabi held various positions in both the public and private sectors at the state level and has been described as a custodian of Yoruba culture. He served as the Managing Director of the defunct Sketch Press Limited, Ibadan, Corporate Affairs Manager of the Oodua Group, and Chief Press Secretary to both military and civilian governors in Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja expressed his condolences via a message from his media aide, Adeola Oloko, calling Alabi’s death both a personal loss and a loss to the traditional institution in Ibadanland and Oyo State. He stated, “Oloye Alabi will be sorely missed by the members of the Olubadan-in-Council for his immense contributions to the growth of the traditional institution in both Ibadan and Oyo State. He was a promoter of Yoruba culture.”

Governor Makinde expressed his sadness over Alabi’s death, describing it as a great loss to Oyo State and the nation. In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor paid tribute to the late elder statesman, noting that his contributions to journalism, Yoruba culture, and public service would remain indelible.

Makinde highlighted Chief Alabi as a man of integrity, wisdom, and uncommon dedication, whose counsel was valued by leaders across generations. He stated, “Chief Lekan Alabi was a man of immense wisdom, integrity, and dedication. His voice carried the weight of truth, his counsel was sought by leaders across generations, and his commitment to the preservation of Yoruba culture and values was unwavering. Oyo State has lost one of its finest sons.” The governor extended his condolences to the Alabi family, friends and associates of the deceased, the Ibadan traditional institution, and the people of Oyo State, urging them to find comfort in the enduring legacy of the late elder statesman.

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), in a statement signed by its President General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewoke, expressed profound shock and deep sadness at the news of Chief Lekan Alabi’s passing.

The statement noted that Alabi was more than a distinguished son of Ibadanland; he was a symbol of excellence, a foremost historian, an accomplished public intellectual, a renowned communicator, and one of the greatest promoters of the rich cultural heritage and glorious history of Ibadan.

“His exceptional contributions to historical documentation, cultural preservation, public service, and national development have earned him a permanent place in the annals of Ibadan history. His books, lectures, public engagements, and unwavering advocacy for the values, traditions, and progress of Ibadanland will remain enduring treasures for future generations,” the statement read.

The passing of Chief Lekan Alabi is seen as a painful and monumental loss to the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council, Oyo State, Nigeria, and indeed the global community of Ibadan sons and daughters.

The council emphasized that his departure leaves a significant vacuum at a time when society needs the wisdom, experience, and patriotic commitment of elder statesmen like him.

Additionally, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, described Alabi’s death as a monumental loss to journalism, Oyo State, Ibadanland, and Nigeria, particularly the media community. The council noted that the deceased was an exceptional journalist whose contributions to the profession extended far beyond news reporting, underscoring that his intellectual sophistication, courage, and professionalism earned him widespread respect.

The Council has described Alabi as a consummate professional who used journalism as a tool for public enlightenment, responsible communication, and societal advancement throughout his remarkable career.

The union noted that his role as Press Secretary to former governors of Oyo State showcased his exceptional communication skills, administrative competence, and ability to operate effectively within complex government environments.

Alabi was also recognized as a repository of knowledge on the history, culture, and traditions of Ibadan. His contributions to the documentation and promotion of Ibadanland’s rich heritage will have a lasting impact.

The NUJ stated that Alabi’s passing has created a significant void within the journalism profession and traditional institutions, emphasizing that replacing someone of his experience, wisdom, and stature will be a challenging task.

“Lekan Alabi was more than just a journalist; he was an institution. His remarkable intellect, experience, and dedication to journalism and public service enriched generations,” the Council remarked.

His death signifies an irreparable loss to the journalism profession, Oyo State, and Ibadanland. His legacy is indelible, and his contributions will continue to resonate long after his departure.

The NUJ Oyo State Council prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive Alabi’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus, and provide strength to his family and associates during this difficult time.