Ooni mourns Lekan Alabi, consoles Olubadan, Makinde over veteran journalist’s death

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, over the death of High Chief Lekan Alabi, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in  Ile-Ife by  Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of  Moses Olafare, the Director of Media and Public Affairs to Oba Ogunwusi.

The Ooni also sympathised with Gov. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council and the deceased’s family, describing Alabi’s death as a monumental loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The royal father described the late Alabi as an accomplished journalist, public relations practitioner, cultural ambassador and historian whose contributions earned him respect across Nigeria and beyond.

Oba Ogunwusi said that the deceased was an exceptional communicator, dependable bridge-builder and promoter of Yoruba heritage whose wisdom and humility strengthened traditional institutions and cultural preservation.

He recalled Alabi’s close relationship with the House of Oduduwa, noting that his intellectual depth and passion for preserving Yoruba history remained widely appreciated throughout his lifetime.

The Ooni said the late chief dedicated his life to truth, responsible public communication, cultural values and the promotion of Yoruba civilisation through knowledge, diplomacy and selfless service.

He added that Alabi’s death had created a difficult vacuum, urging the people of Ibadanland, media practitioners and associates to uphold his enduring legacy of integrity and patriotism.

The traditional ruler prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and urged his family and the entire Yoruba nation to find comfort in his remarkable lifetime of service.

The late Alabi died in Lagos on Saturday at the age of 76, and was buried on Sunday according to Islamic rites.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖