Abese Olubadan: Ooni Commiserates With Olubadan, Gov. Makinde Over Death Of High Chief Lekan Alabi 

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the family of the late High Chief (Oloye) Lekan Alabi, describing his transition as a monumental loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Chief Lekan Alabi, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, veteran journalist, accomplished public relations practitioner, cultural ambassador and respected historian, passed away on Saturday in Lagos at the age of 76. He is expected to be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.

The Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the late elder statesman as an exceptional communicator whose remarkable contributions to journalism, public relations, culture and the preservation of Yoruba history earned him enduring respect across the country.

According to the Ooni, the late Abese Olubadan was not only a distinguished media professional but also a dependable bridge-builder whose wisdom, humility and unwavering commitment to promoting Yoruba heritage made him an invaluable asset to the traditional institution and society at large.

Ooni Ogunwusi noted that Chief Alabi maintained a close and cordial relationship with the House of Oduduwa, where his intellectual depth and passion for the promotion of Yoruba culture and history were always cherished.

Ooni said, “High Chief Lekan Alabi dedicated his life to the promotion of truth, cultural values and responsible public communication. He was a respected custodian of history, a refined public relations strategist and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba civilisation whose influence extended far beyond Ibadanland.

“His passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. He served the Yoruba race with uncommon devotion and remained committed to strengthening the dignity of our traditional institutions through knowledge, diplomacy and exemplary service.”

While praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased, Ooni Ogunwusi urged the Olubadan-in-Council, the people of Ibadanland, the media community and all associates of the late High Chief to take solace in his enduring legacy of integrity, professionalism, patriotism and selfless service to humanity.