Veteran journalist, respected public relations practitioner and former Chief Press Secretary to several Oyo State governors, Chief Lekan Alabi, has died at the age of 76. Alabi, who held the traditional title of Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away on Saturday morning in Lagos, according to a statement issued by the media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko.
The statement described Alabi as one of Oyo State’s most accomplished media personalities, noting that he served as Chief Press Secretary to successive administrations and earned widespread respect for his professionalism, eloquence and dedication to public service. Family sources disclosed that he would be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Born on October 27, 1950, Alabi built an illustrious career spanning journalism, broadcasting, public relations and public service. He began his career at the defunct Sketch newspaper before working with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan, and later joined Odu’a Investment Company Limited, where he rose to become General Manager of Corporate Affairs before his retirement.
Beyond his work in government and the media, Alabi was widely recognised as an accomplished historian, author and cultural ambassador whose writings and public engagements helped preserve the history and cultural heritage of Ibadanland and the Yoruba people. He was also the first Cultural Ambassador of the National Museum in Ile-Ife and remained an influential figure in traditional and cultural affairs until his death.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers, journalists and cultural organisations. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, described Alabi’s death as heartbreaking, recalling their lifelong friendship and praising his remarkable memory, intellect and enduring contributions to journalism, public service and the preservation of Yoruba culture.
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