The Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland and veteran Journalist cum Public Relations Expert, Oloye Lekan Alabi is dead.
The passing of the the veteran journalist and multiple Press Secretary to former Oyo State Governors, was confirmed in a statement signed by the Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, Adeola Oloko.
The statement said Oloye Alabi died this morning in Lagos at 76 years of age, after a brief illness, adding family sources disclosed that he would be buried tomorrow in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reacting in a statement, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, described Oloye Alabi’s death as a devastating and monumental loss to journalism, Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, particularly the media community.
The statement, jointly signed by its Chairman, Akeem Abass and Secretary, Temidayo Adu on Saturday in Ibadan, 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.
The union stated that the late Abese Olubadan deployed journalism as an instrument for public enlightenment, responsible communication and the advancement of society throughout his remarkable career.
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.
His death marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned journalism, Public Relations, Cultural advocacy and traditional leadership was widely respected across Nigeria and beyond.
