Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Sharafadeen Alli, on Saturday mourned the passing of the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi.
Makinde, Oba Ladoja, Alli and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, in separate statements, described Alabi’s demise as a monumental loss not only to Oyo State but to the country as a whole, noting his invaluable contributions to journalism, culture and public service.
Alabi died on Saturday morning in Lagos at the age of 76.
Until his death, he was a veteran journalist, public affairs analyst, elder statesman, cultural icon, community leader and multiple press secretary to former Oyo State governors.
Makinde, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said, “Chief Alabi was a man of immense wisdom, integrity, and dedication. His voice carried the weight of truth, his counsel was sought by leaders across generations, and his commitment to the preservation of Yoruba culture and values was unwavering. Oyo State has lost one of its finest sons.”
