The African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency, Dr Kazeem Adesina Abidikugu, popularly known as KSO, has mourned the death of the Abese of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
Abidikugu, who is the Agba-Akin Bobajiro of Ibadanland, described the late Alabi as a thorough media professional, historian and promoter of culture and tradition.
Alabi, who held the traditional title of Abese of Ibadanland, died on Saturday morning in Lagos at the age of 76, according to a statement issued by the Olubadan Palace. He was buried according to Islamic rites on Sunday.
In a statement, Abidikugu described the death of the veteran journalist and former Chief Press Secretary to four governors of Oyo State as painful, but said he took solace in the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
He said Alabi’s contributions remained cherished by Ibadan indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora.
According to him, Alabi set an exceptional record as a professional journalist by serving as Chief Press Secretary to four successive governors of Oyo State.
He described the deceased as one of the state’s most accomplished journalists and communication strategists.
“During his distinguished career, he served as Chief Press Secretary to successive governors of the state, earning a reputation for professionalism, eloquence and dedication to public service.
“Beyond journalism and public communication, the late Alabi was a respected historian, author and cultural ambassador who made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of the history and cultural heritage of Ibadanland and Yorubaland,” he said.
Abidikugu, a philanthropist and United Kingdom-based psychiatric consultant, sympathised with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council over the death of the Abese.
He also extended his condolences to the Alabi family and members of the media profession in Oyo State and Nigeria.
The ADC candidate urged journalists and other media professionals to emulate the values of excellence and professionalism which he said characterised Alabi’s career.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
