The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has mourned the death of veteran journalist and Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, describing his death as devastating.
The statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan was jointly signed by its Chairman, Akeem Abas and Secretary, Temidayo Adu.
The 76-year-old respected journalist, administrator, author and traditional chief reportedly died on Saturday morning in Lagos, leaving behind an enduring legacy of professionalism, intellectual depth and distinguished public service.
The NUJ described Alabi’s death as a monumental loss to journalism, Oyo State, Ibadanland and Nigeria, particularly the media community.
The council said the deceased was an exceptional journalist whose contributions to the profession transcended news reporting, stressing that his intellectual sophistication, courage and professionalism earned him widespread respect.
According to the Council, Alabi was a consummate professional who deployed journalism as an instrument for public enlightenment, responsible communication and the advancement of society throughout his remarkable career.
The union noted that his service as Press Secretary to former governors of Oyo State demonstrated his exceptional communication skills, administrative competence and capacity to operate effectively within complex government environments.
It described Alabi as a repository of knowledge on Ibadan history, culture and traditions, saying his contributions to the documentation and promotion of the rich heritage of Ibadanland would remain indelible.
The NUJ said his transition had created a huge vacuum within the journalism profession and traditional institution, stressing that replacing a man of his experience, wisdom and stature would be difficult.
It commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-in-Council, members of the traditional institution, the Alabi family and the entire journalism community over the painful loss.
The council acknowledged the deceased’s remarkable contributions to the growth of journalism in Oyo State, saying several generations of journalists benefited from his wealth of experience, counsel and mentorship.
It urged journalists, particularly younger practitioners, to preserve the values of professionalism, courage, discipline, intellectual excellence and public-spiritedness which characterised Alabi’s illustrious career and distinguished him among his contemporaries.
“Lekan Alabi was more than a journalist; he was an institution whose remarkable intellect, experience and commitment to journalism and public service enriched generations.
“His death represents an irreparable loss to the journalism profession, Oyo State and Ibadanland. His footprints are indelible, and his contributions will continue to resonate long after his passage,” the Council said.
The NUJ Oyo State Council prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Alabi’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family and associates strength to bear his death.
