Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the African Union of Journalists (AUJ), Lanre Ogundipe, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned journalist, public relations practitioner and cultural icon, Oloye Abdulrasheed Olalekan Alabi, describing his passing as a monumental loss to journalism, Ibadanland and the Yoruba cultural community.
Ogundipe conveyed his condolences in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Akeem Abas, extending his sympathy to the union’s leadership, members and the wider Nigerian media community.
According to him, the late Lekan Alabi belonged to a rare generation of journalists whose careers were marked by professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to public service.
He described the deceased as an accomplished communicator, seasoned public relations practitioner and meticulous newsman whose contributions to journalism would continue to serve as a model for younger media professionals.
Ogundipe also recalled Alabi’s distinguished service as Press Secretary to the late Bola Ige, where he worked alongside respected media professionals, including Dapo Aderinola and Femi Mapaderun.
He noted that Alabi’s subsequent appointments under former military governor Oladayo Popoola and other administrations reflected the confidence reposed in his competence, professionalism and discretion.
Beyond his journalism career, Ogundipe praised the late media icon as a passionate custodian of Yoruba culture and a committed ambassador of Ibadan’s rich historical heritage.
He noted that even in his later years, Alabi remained actively involved in public enlightenment through his broadcasts on Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Space 90.1 FM and other media platforms, where his wealth of knowledge, wisdom and humour continued to educate and inspire audiences.
He said the death of the veteran journalist was not only a painful loss to the NUJ family but also to the media profession, Ibadanland and the Yoruba cultural community, adding that his legacy of humility, professional discipline, cultural patriotism and selfless service would endure for generations.
While urging journalists and admirers to celebrate a life dedicated to journalism, humanity and cultural preservation, Ogundipe prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, comfort his family, strengthen the NUJ Oyo State Council and give all those mourning him the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
