Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of veteran journalist, public relations expert and Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Abdulrasheed Olalekan Alabi, with former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lanre Ogundipe, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Ibadanland, the media profession and the nation.
In a press statement, former NUJ President and former President of the Africa Union of Journalists (AUJ), Lanre Ogundipe, expressed profound sadness over the transition of the respected media icon, describing him as one of the finest sons of Ibadan whose contributions to journalism, public relations and Yoruba culture would remain evergreen.
Ogundipe said the death of Oloye Lekan Alabi marked the departure of an accomplished journalist, distinguished public relations strategist, eminent cultural ambassador and passionate custodian of Yoruba civilisation.
According to him, Alabi belonged to an exceptional generation of journalists who viewed journalism not merely as a profession but as a sacred calling.
He recalled that Alabi served with distinction as Press Secretary to the late Chief Bola Ige during his tenure as Governor of the old Oyo State, working alongside respected media professionals Dapo Aderinola and Femi Mapaderun.
Ogundipe noted that Alabi’s professionalism, integrity and competence earned him the rare privilege of serving successive administrations, including that of the then Military Governor of old Oyo State, Major-General Oladayo Popoola (Rtd.), a testament to the confidence reposed in his character and ability.
He also praised the late Ibadan chief for his immense contributions to the preservation of Yoruba culture, history and traditions through his roles in the Olubadan traditional hierarchy and his consistent promotion of the cultural heritage of Ibadanland.
Ogundipe highlighted Alabi’s passion for indigenous Yoruba music, especially the Apala genre popularised by the late Yusuf Olatunji, as well as his educational radio programmes on Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Space 90.1 FM and other stations, where he enlightened audiences on history and culture until the twilight of his life.
He described the deceased’s passing as a profound loss to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the League of Veteran Journalists, the Olubadan-in-Council, Ibadanland and all lovers of Yoruba cultural heritage.
Ogundipe extended his condolences to the Alabi family, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council, the NUJ, Oyo State Council, the League of Veteran Journalists and the people of Ibadanland.
Similarly, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, described Alabi’s death as a monumental loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.
In a condolence message made available to journalists in Ibadan, Alli said the late Abese Olubadan was a towering personality whose distinguished career in journalism, public service and the traditional institution reflected intellectual excellence, integrity and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ibadanland.
The senator noted that Alabi’s influence extended beyond journalism and public service, adding that his wisdom, dignity, experience and dedication made him a highly respected figure within the traditional institution.
He said Alabi’s service as Press Secretary to successive Oyo State governors demonstrated his exceptional mastery of communication, governance and public relations.”Lekan Alabi was a towering personality, an accomplished journalist, distinguished public servant, and revered traditional chief whose life was devoted to service, knowledge, and the advancement of society.
“His passing is a painful and irreplaceable loss. Ibadanland has lost a custodian of its history and values, while the journalism profession has lost one of its finest voices and most experienced practitioners.
“His footprints in journalism, public service and the traditional institution remain indelible. His legacy will continue to inspire generations and serve as a reminder of the power of knowledge, integrity and service to humanity,” Alli said.
He commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Alabi family, journalists and associates of the late media icon, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
