Oloye Lekan Alabi, a veteran journalist, and former press secretary to four governors in the old Oyo State, has died, two months shy of his 76th birthday.
The late famous journalist, a senior chief in the Olubadan-in-Council who held the traditional title of Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away in Lagos on Saturday morning.
His death was confirmed in a statement issued by the media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Mr. Adeola Oloko.
Family sources disclosed that the late journalist would be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Life and times of Lekan Alabi
Throughout a career spanning several decades, the veteran journalist made significant contributions to journalism, public communication and strategic media management.
He was widely regarded as one of the most respected media personalities in Oyo State who was renowned to have played a prominent role in shaping government communication during critical political transitions in the state.
Colleagues and associates remembered Alabi for his professionalism, intellect and commitment to effective public communication.
Beyond journalism, his position in the Olubadan-in-Council also made him an influential voice in Ibadan traditional affairs.
Lekan Alabi was a renowned Nigerian journalist, author, public relations consultant, columnist, cultural ambassador, and traditional leader from Ibadan, Oyo State.
Born on 27 October, 1950, in Ibadan, Oyo State, he began his education at Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School, Oke-Foko, Ibadan (1958–1963) and later attended African Church Grammar School, Apata-Ganga, Ibadan (1964–1969).
After his secondary education, he briefly worked as a teacher before beginning his journalism career.
Lekan Alabi as a Journalist
Oloye Lekan Alabi started his media career at Onibonoje Press Limited, Ibadan, where he worked as an editorial assistant.
In 1973, he joined the defunct Sketch Publishing Company Limited, Ibadan, as a reporter/writer/reader and became known for his bilingual journalism in both English and Yoruba.
He later studied journalism in London and returned to Nigeria to continue his media career.
Alabi worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan, from 1978 to 1982 and was among the pioneer editorial staff of the Television Service of Oyo State (now BCOS Television).
He was also the first reporter to appear on the BCOS channel and the first chairman of its Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) chapel.
A Public Servant and Administrator
Lekan Alabi served as Chief Press Secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State, including his service under the administration of the late Chief Bola Ige.
Lekan Alabi served as press secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State (which covered present-day Oyo and Osun states) between 1983 and 1989.
The four former governors included the late Chief Bola Ige who later became the Minister of Power and the Attorney General/Minister of Justice, Major General Oladayo Popoola, the late Brigadier-General Adetunji Olurin, and the late Brigadier-General Sasaenia Oresanya.
His years in government communication established him as one of Nigeria’s respected public relations professionals.
He later became the pioneer General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Odu’a Investment Company Limited, where he contributed significantly to corporate communication and public relations.
Cultural and Traditional Contributions
Beyond journalism, Oloye Lekan Alabi was a strong promoter of Yoruba culture, history, and heritage. He held traditional titles in Ibadanland and served as a cultural ambassador connected with the National Museum and Monuments, Ile-Ife.
Author and Public Speaker
He authored books and contributed articles on history, culture, leadership, and society.
He was also known as a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist.
Legacy
Oloye Lekan Alabi would be remembered as a veteran journalist who shaped Nigerian media.
He was a bridge between journalism, government communication, and culture.
A custodian of Yoruba heritage, the late veteran journalist was, at various times, a mentor to younger journalists and public relations practitioners.
His life has been described as representing dedication to truth, service, culture, and professional excellence.
