Makinde, APC’s Alli mourn Chief Lekan Alabi

By Adejayan Gbenga

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of the late Abese of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.

In a condolence message, Makinde said Chief Alabi was an outstanding journalist, respected elder statesman, cultural icon and community leader whose contributions to journalism, public service and the preservation of Yoruba culture would remain unforgettable. He described the late chief as one of Oyo State’s finest sons whose life was marked by wisdom, integrity and unwavering dedication to service.

According to the governor, Chief Alabi’s voice carried the weight of truth and his counsel was sought by leaders across generations. He said the deceased remained committed to promoting Yoruba values and culture throughout his lifetime, adding that his death was a huge loss not only to Oyo State but to Nigeria as a whole.

Makinde extended his condolences to Chief Alabi’s family, friends and associates, as well as the people of Ibadanland and the entire Oyo State. He urged those mourning the late journalist and traditional chief to take solace in the enduring impact of his life and prayed that God would grant his family the strength to bear the loss.

Also mourning the elder statesman, Senator Alli described Alabi as a towering personality whose distinguished career in journalism, public service and the traditional institution reflected intellectual excellence, integrity, deep knowledge and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Ibadanland.

The APC governorship candidate noted that Chief Alabi’s contributions went beyond journalism and public service, stressing that his wisdom, dignity, experience and commitment to the development of Ibadanland made him one of the most respected figures within the traditional institution. He also praised the late chief’s service as press secretary to successive Oyo State governors, saying it demonstrated his exceptional understanding of communication, governance and public relations.

Alli said the late Alabi was an accomplished journalist, distinguished public servant and revered traditional chief whose life was devoted to service, knowledge and the advancement of society. He added that Ibadanland had lost a custodian of its history and values, while the journalism profession had been deprived of one of its finest voices and most experienced practitioners.

He further commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Alabi family, journalists and associates of the deceased, expressing hope that Chief Alabi’s legacy of integrity, service and excellence would continue to inspire future generations.