Traditional rulers, Mogajis, Baales, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI) and other sons and daughters of Ibadanland have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Abdul Rasheed Olalekan Alabi, describing his death as a monumental loss to Oyo State and Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, the traditional stakeholders described the news of Chief Alabi’s demise as a deeply painful development.
They paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman, extolling his accessibility, professionalism, humility and unwavering commitment to the promotion of Ibadan’s history, culture and values throughout his lifetime.
The statement read in part: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the renowned journalist, accomplished public relations practitioner, respected historian and distinguished Ibadan traditional Chief, Oloye Lekan Alabi, whose passing has left a great void.”
According to the statement, the late Abese Olubadan was a reservoir of history whose immense contributions to journalism, public relations, culture and the preservation of Ibadan’s rich heritage earned him widespread admiration and respect across Nigeria.
The group also commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, FNSE, Arusa I, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Nigerian media community and the people of Oyo State over what it described as the irreparable loss of a dependable traditional chief, patriotic citizen and distinguished cultural icon.
They prayed that Almighty Allah grants the family, the people of Ibadanland and all those touched by his remarkable life the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while also praying for Aljanah Firdaus for the departed elder statesman.
Born on October 27, 1950, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Oloye Lekan Alabi began his education at Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, Oke-Foko, Ibadan, before proceeding to African Church Grammar School, Apata-Ganga, Ibadan. After a brief stint as a teacher, he ventured into journalism, beginning his career with Onibonoje Press Limited as an editorial assistant.
He later joined Sketch Publishing Company Limited in 1973 as a reporter, writer and reader, where he distinguished himself through bilingual journalism in English and Yoruba. Following journalism studies in London, he returned to Nigeria and worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan, from 1978 to 1982.
Chief Alabi was among the pioneer editorial staff of the Television Service of Oyo State, now Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).
He made history as the station’s first reporter to appear on air and also became the pioneer chairman of its Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) chapel.
His distinguished career in public service saw him serve as Chief Press Secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State, including the administration of the late Chief Bola Ige, establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s foremost public relations professionals.
He later became the pioneer General Manager, Corporate Affairs, of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, where he made significant contributions to corporate communication and public relations practice.
Beyond journalism and public service, Oloye Lekan Alabi remained a passionate promoter of Yoruba history, culture and heritage. He rose through the traditional hierarchy to become the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland and served as the first Cultural Ambassador of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Ile-Ife.
A prolific author, historian and columnist, he wrote several books and published numerous articles on history, leadership, culture and societal development, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
