Oyo NUJ Mourns Lekan Alabi, Says Journalism Has Lost a Rare Icon
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of renowned journalist, author, administrator and the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, describing his passing as a monumental loss to journalism, Oyo State and the nation at large.
The union said Alabi’s death has robbed the media profession and the traditional institution of one of their most respected and accomplished personalities, whose life was dedicated to excellence, service and the promotion of truth.
The position of the council was contained in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, and Secretary, Comrade Temidayo Adu, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Ibadan.
According to the statement, the 76-year-old veteran journalist reportedly died on Saturday morning in Lagos after a distinguished career that spanned several decades of impactful journalism, public service and cultural advocacy.
The council described the late Alabi as an exceptional journalist whose contributions went far beyond news gathering and reporting, noting that he remained a symbol of professionalism, integrity and intellectual excellence throughout his lifetime.
It stated that his courage, commitment to ethical journalism and unwavering passion for public enlightenment earned him admiration across the media industry and beyond.
The NUJ noted that Alabi consistently deployed journalism as a veritable tool for responsible communication, nation-building and the advancement of society, leaving behind an enduring legacy worthy of emulation.
The council further recalled his outstanding service as Press Secretary to former Governors of Oyo State, describing his performance in public office as a demonstration of exceptional communication skills, administrative competence and sound leadership.
It added that his ability to effectively manage public information and government communication distinguished him as one of the finest media professionals of his generation.
The statement also paid glowing tribute to the deceased’s invaluable contributions to the preservation and promotion of the history, culture and traditions of Ibadanland.
According to the council, Alabi was widely acknowledged as a repository of knowledge on Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage, with numerous books, publications and historical works that will continue to educate future generations.
The NUJ observed that his death has created a huge vacuum not only within the journalism profession but also in the traditional institution, where his wisdom, experience and counsel were highly valued.
It maintained that replacing a personality of Alabi’s calibre, whose influence cut across journalism, governance, literature and traditional leadership, would be an enormous challenge.
The council also acknowledged his remarkable commitment to mentoring younger journalists, saying many media practitioners in Oyo State and beyond benefited immensely from his guidance, encouragement and wealth of professional experience.
It urged journalists, particularly the younger generation, to uphold the enduring values of professionalism, discipline, courage, integrity and public service which distinguished the late media icon throughout his illustrious career.
The NUJ further commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Alabi family, the people of Ibadanland, the government and people of Oyo State, and the entire Nigerian journalism community over the painful loss.
The council described the late Oloye Lekan Alabi as more than a journalist, saying he was an institution whose exceptional intellect, remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication enriched countless lives and strengthened the journalism profession.
“Late Oloye Lekan Alabi was more than a journalist; he was an institution whose remarkable intellect, experience and commitment to journalism and public service enriched generations,” the statement read.
“His death represents an irreparable loss to the journalism profession, Oyo State and Ibadanland. His footprints are indelible, while his invaluable contributions will continue to resonate for generations to come.”
The Oyo State Council of the NUJ prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Oloye Lekan Alabi, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his family, associates and the entire journalism fraternity the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.