The Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has joined well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the passing of the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, describing his death as a devastating loss to Oyo State and the nation.
In a statement personally signed on Saturday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande described the news of his demise as a deeply painful development.
Mrs. Akande extolled the late elder statesman for his accessibility, professionalism, and unwavering support for the agency, noting that he maintained a cordial and productive relationship with the NOA throughout his lifetime.
The statement reads:
“On behalf of the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the management and staff of the Oyo State Directorate, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the renowned journalist, accomplished public relations practitioner, respected historian, and distinguished Ibadan chief, Oloye Lekan Alabi, whose passing has left a great void.”
“Oloye Lekan Alabi was always prompt in responding to the Agency whenever his wealth of knowledge and guidance were needed. His fatherly counsel, commitment to public enlightenment, and support for the ideals of the National Orientation Agency will be greatly missed.”
Mrs. Akande described the late Abese Olubadan as a reservoir of history whose contributions to journalism, public relations, culture, and the preservation of Ibadan’s rich heritage earned him widespread admiration and respect.
She also commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Nigerian media community, and the people of Oyo State over the irreparable loss of a dependable traditional chief and patriotic citizen
She prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family, the people of Ibadanland, and all those touched by his remarkable life the fortitude to bear the loss, and grant the deceased Aljanah Firdaus.
