…As Gov Makinde, NUJ,CII mourn
The ancient city of Ibadanland was thrown into mourning on Saturday following the demise of one of the foremost Ibadan traditional Chief and veteran journalist, Chief Lekan Alabi who slept in death at 76 years .
Late Chief Alabi , naturally imbued with wisdom and native intelligence was the Abese Olubadan in the Olubadan chieftaincy line.
Announcing the passing of veteran journalist and Ibadan traditional icon , the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja through his Chief Press Secretary ( CPS) , Chief Adeola Oloko said Alabi, who held the traditional title of Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, died on Saturday morning in Lagos at the age of 76.
His death was announced in a statement issued by the Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko.
According to family sources, the late journalist will be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Alabi was widely respected in journalism, public communication and public service, having served as press secretary to former governors of Oyo State during his distinguished career.
He was a prominent figure in traditional institution affairs and held the title of Abese Olubadan in the Olubadan chieftaincy line.
The Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, who described the deceased as outstanding public affairs analyst, distinguished elder statesman, cultural icon, and respected community leader, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the senior Ibadan Chief, and veteran journalist.
Governor Makinde further described Chief Alabi’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Oyo State but to Nigeria as a whole, noting his invaluable contributions to journalism, culture, and public service.
Makinde said, “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.”
Governor Makinde extended heartfelt condolences to Chief Alabi’s family, friends, and associates, as well as to the Ibadan community and the wider Oyo State. He urged all who mourn to take solace in the enduring impact of Chief Alabi’s life and work.
“The government and people of Oyo State stand with the Alabi family at this difficult time. May the Almighty grant them strength and comfort, and may Chief Lekan Alabi’s soul rest in perfect peace,” the governor added.
Also, the Oyo state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) mourned the passing of the late veteran journalist, describing his death as collosal loss.
The union said the death of Chief Alabi is devastating.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan , jointly signed by its Chairman, Akeem Abas and Secretary, Temidayo Adu , the union said the 76-year-old respected journalist, administrator, author and traditional chief reportedly died on Saturday morning in Lagos, leaving behind an enduring legacy of professionalism, intellectual depth and distinguished public service.
The NUJ described Alabi’s death as a monumental loss to journalism, Oyo State, Ibadanland and Nigeria, particularly the media community.
The council said the deceased was an exceptional journalist whose contributions to the profession transcended news reporting, stressing that his intellectual sophistication, courage and professionalism earned him widespread respect.
According to the Council, Alabi was a consummate professional who deployed journalism as an instrument for public enlightenment, responsible communication and the advancement of society throughout his remarkable career.
The union noted that his service as Press Secretary to former governors of Oyo State demonstrated his exceptional communication skills, administrative competence and capacity to operate effectively within complex government environments.
It described Alabi as a repository of knowledge on Ibadan history, culture and traditions, saying his contributions to the documentation and promotion of the rich heritage of Ibadanland would remain indelible.
The NUJ said his transition had created a huge vacuum within the journalism profession and traditional institution, stressing that replacing a man of his experience, wisdom and stature would be difficult.
It commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-in-Council, members of the traditional institution, the Alabi family and the entire journalism community over the painful loss.
The council acknowledged the deceased’s remarkable contributions to the growth of journalism in Oyo State, saying several generations of journalists benefited from his wealth of experience, counsel and mentorship.
It urged journalists, particularly younger practitioners, to preserve the values of professionalism, courage, discipline, intellectual excellence and public-spiritedness which characterised Alabi’s illustrious career and distinguished him among his contemporaries.
“Lekan Alabi was more than a journalist; he was an institution whose remarkable intellect, experience and commitment to journalism and public service enriched generations.
“His death represents an irreparable loss to the journalism profession, Oyo State and Ibadanland. His footprints are indelible, and his contributions will continue to resonate long after his passage,” the Council said.
The NUJ Oyo State Council prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Alabi’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family and associates strength to bear his death.
Similarly , the umbrella body of Ibadan sons and daughters, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) said Ibadan has lost a gem, and patriot .
The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII),Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole on behalf of the Executive Committee, affiliated clubs and associations and the entire people of Ibadanland received with profound shock and deep sadness the news of the passing of Chief Lekan Alabi.
According to the CCII , Chief Lekan Alabi, Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, 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 our ancient city.
In a statement by Mr Kola Olomide , the Publicity Secretary Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) , a copy made available to The Champion newspapers in Ibadan on Saturday, late Ibadan Senior Chief was a true patriot, and illustrious son of Ibadanland.
” Throughout his lifetime, he dedicated his intellect, influence, and energy to projecting the positive image of Ibadanland both within Nigeria and beyond.
“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 have become enduring treasures for generations yet unborn.
” The passing of Chief Lekan Alabi is a painful and monumental loss to the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council, Oyo State, Nigeria and indeed the global community of Ibadan sons and daughters. At a time when society needs the wisdom, experience, and patriotic commitment of elder statesmen like him, his departure leaves a vacuum that will not be easily filled.
” On behalf of the entire Ibadan community, the President-General extends heartfelt condolences to the Alabi family, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Government and people of Oyo State, and everyone mourning this irreparable loss.
” While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life exceptionally lived—a life of honour, integrity, scholarship, patriotism, humility and unwavering commitment to the service of humanity. Chief Lekan Alabi has left behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire present and future generations to serve Ibadanland with dedication, dignity, and selflessness.
” We pray that Almighty God grants his gentle soul eternal rest and comforts his family, friends, associates and the entire people of Ibadanland during this difficult period.
” Chief Lekan Alabi may have departed this world, but his legacy will forever remain woven into the rich history and soul of Ibadanland,” the CCII said .
