Mogajis in Ibadanland, Monarchs, Baale’s, traditional institution, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and sons and daughters of Ibadanland have mourned the passing of the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
They described Oloye Alabi’s death as a devastating loss to Oyo State and the nation.
A statement signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and the Coordinator of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade described the news of Chief Alabi’s demise as a deeply painful development.
The duo extolled the late elder statesman for his accessibility, professionalism throughout his lifetime.
The statement reads 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.”
The statement described the late Abese Olubadan as a reservoir of history whose contributions to journalism, public relations, culture, and the preservation of Ibadan’s rich heritage earned him widespread admiration and respect.
The statement also commiserate with the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja FNSE, Arusa 1, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Nigerian media community, and the people of Oyo state over the irreparable loss of a dependable traditional Chief and patriotic citizen
The traditional stakeholders however prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family, the people of Ibadanland, and all those touched by his remarkable life the fortitude to bear the loss, and grant the deceased Aljanah Firdaus
Recall that Oloye Abdul Rasheed Olalekan Alabi was born on October 27, 1950, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He began his education at Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School, Oke-Foko, Ibadan (1958–1963) and later attended *African Church Grammar School, Apata-Ganga, Ibadan* (1964–1969). After his secondary education, he briefly worked as a teacher before beginning his journalism career.
Oloye Lekan Alabi started his media career at Onibonoje Press Limited, Ibadan, where he worked as an editorial assistant.
In 1973, he joined Sketch Publishing Company Limited, Ibadan, as a reporter/writer/reader and became known for his bilingual journalism in both English and Yoruba. He later studied journalism in London and returned to Nigeria to continue his media career.
He worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan, from 1978 to 1982 and was among the pioneer editorial staff of the Television Service of Oyo State (now BCOS). He was also the first reporter to appear on the channel and the first chairman of its Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) chapel.
Lekan Alabi served as Chief Press Secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State, including his service under the administration of the late Bola Ige. His years in government communication established him as one of Nigeria’s respected public relations professionals.
He later became the pioneer General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Odu’a Investment Company Limited, where he contributed significantly to corporate communication and public relations.
Beyond journalism, Oloye Lekan Alabi was a strong promoter of Yoruba culture, history, and heritage. He rose through the traditional ranks to become the traditional title holder of Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland and served as the 1st cultural ambassador of the National Museum and Monuments, Ile-Ife.
He authored books and contributed articles on history, culture, leadership, and society.
