BREAKING: Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, is dead
Chief Lekan Alabi, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, veteran journalist, author and public relations practitioner, has died at 75.
Family sources confirmed that Alabi died on Saturday morning after a brief illness. They said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
His death marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned journalism, public relations, cultural advocacy and traditional leadership. Widely respected across Nigeria, he was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to preserving the history, culture and heritage of Ibadanland and the Yoruba people.
Born on Oct. 27, 1950, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Alabi attended Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, Oke-Foko, before embarking on a career that earned him recognition as a journalist, public relations consultant, syndicated columnist, author and motivational speaker.
Throughout his career, he wrote extensively on Yoruba history, Ibadan traditions and national issues. His publications and public engagements established him as one of the foremost chroniclers of Ibadan’s cultural heritage and an influential voice on historical and cultural matters.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alabi held the prestigious title of Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, one of the senior chieftaincy titles on the civil line of the Olubadan succession system. He was an active member of the Olubadan-in-Council and served as one of the trusted advisers to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In addition, he frequently represented the palace at cultural and public events, where he championed the promotion of Ibadan’s history, traditions and enduring cultural values. His contributions earned him admiration from traditional institutions, media professionals and cultural organisations.
News of his passing has begun to attract reactions across Ibadan and beyond, with tributes expected from the Oyo State Government, the Olubadan-in-Council, media organisations, cultural groups and prominent Nigerians. Meanwhile, the family said further announcements on his burial arrangements would be made in due course.
