File: veteran journalist and former press secretary to past Oyo State governors, Chief Lekan Alabi

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Saturday described the death of the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, as devastating and heartbreaking.

The PUNCH reports that Alabi died on Saturday morning in Lagos at the age of 76.

Until his death, he was a veteran journalist and served as press secretary to multiple former governors of Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja, in a statement issued by his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday, said Oloye Alabi was an amazing human being who grew up with him in the same Born Photo Isale-Osi neighbourhood in Ibadan.

He added that Alabi had a remarkable memory and often regaled him with stories of their childhood.

The Olubadan said, “Beyond this, Oloye Alabi had an impressive record of achievements in the field of journalism and public relations. He was an unapologetic promoter of Ibadan customs and traditions, which he wore like a badge.

“When I (Ladoja) was acting Chairman of the Ibadan South East Traditional Council, I recalled that Chief Alabi was a stickler for time and a robust contributor to traditional and customary matters.”

Describing Alabi’s death as “devastating and heartbreaking”, Ladoja prayed that God would rest his soul and comfort his family.

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