It is no longer news that Oloye Lekan Alabi, a senior chief in the Olubadan chieftaincy line, culture promoter, veteran journalist and public affairs analyst was laid to rest according to Islamic rites in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State on Sunday, August 2nd, 2029.
Alabi, who was the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland and a former Chief Press Secretary to four former governors of Oyo State died on Saturday, in Lagos at the age of 76
The remains were laid to rest at Eternal Homes Fiditi, Afijio local government Area of Oyo State.
The Janazah prayer earlier held at his Akobo, Ibadan residence, kickstarted the beginning of the final rites.
At the Akobo residence, the atmosphere was solemn as family members, professional colleagues, political associates and admirers gathered to pay their last respects to the man widely regarded as one of Ibadan’s foremost media icons.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, led the Janazah prayer.
As soon as the prayer was concluded, the body was conveyed in a funeral procession to Fiditi, where a large crowd of indigenes, traditional leaders and government functionaries had gathered to receive him.
At the burial in Fiditi, tributes poured in for the late Abese of Olubadan.
Alabi was a towering figure in Nigerian journalism and public service. He served as Press Secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State between 1983 and 1989, a period that saw him work with some of the state’s most notable political leaders. His tenure was marked by professionalism and an uncommon loyalty to public service.
Beyond government, Alabi made his mark in the media industry. He was a respected columnist, public relations consultant, and mentor to younger journalists.
Speakers at the event said many of today’s media practitioners in Oyo State and beyond credit him for guidance and support at critical points in their careers.
As the Abese of Olubadan, he was also deeply involved in traditional affairs. He was known for his wise counsel to the Olubadan-in-Council and for promoting unity among Ibadan chiefs. His chieftaincy title, he often said, was a call to serve the people with truth and dignity.
Recall that, Oloye Alabi died on Saturday in Lagos. The news of his passing drew condolences from across the country, with media bodies, professional associations and political leaders describing his death as a great loss to journalism and public service.
Prominent faces at the burial included Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, the Commissioner in charge of the state’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Taiwo Lekan Salami and his elder brother, Mr Gbenro Adegbola, Sir (Arc) Muyiwa Ige, Hon Ajimobi, Semiu Adenekan (DJ Semight), Princess Bukola Kadiri, the owner of Eternal Home, Comrade Akeem Abass, Oyo NUJ boss and several others.
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola with additional reports from thenationonlineng.net
