The Olubadan of Ibadanland has officially announced the passing of the Abese Olubadan of Ibadan, Chief Lekan Alabi.
Alabi, a veteran journalist and elder statesman passed away on Saturday in Lagos at the age of 76.
The official announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Olubadan’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko.
According to family sources quoted in the statement, burial arrangements have already been finalised in accordance with Islamic rites, his remains will be laid to rest on Sunday.
“Further details on the funeral are expected to be released later, “Oloko stated, adding that the palace would communicate more information about subsequent memorial activities in due course.
“For now, the family has requested prayers and support as it mourns the loss of the elder statesman and custodian of Ibadan tradition.”
Reflecting on the loss, the Olubadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja recalled that Chief Alabi’s contributions extended far beyond government circles.
He said that the late Alabi held a prestigious traditional chieftaincy title that placed him among the core palace chiefs, who actively support the Olubadan in the administration of Ibadanland.
The Life and Times of Chief Lekan Alabi
Chief Oloye Rasheed Adelekan “Lekan” Alabi, born in Ibadan on October 27, 1950, lived a life that mirrored the arc of modern Nigerian journalism and the enduring dignity of Yoruba tradition.
Educated at the 7th-Day Adventist Primary School, Oke-Foko, and African Church Grammar School, Apata Ganga, he displayed early moral courage in 1968 by writing to General Gowon’s government appealing for the release of the detained playwright Wole Soyinka — a letter Soyinka personally acknowledged upon his freedom in 1969.
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After a brief teaching stint, Alabi entered journalism in 1972 at Onibonoje Press, before joining Sketch Publishing in 1973, where he became Nigeria’s youngest dual columnist. Training at the famed College of Journalism, Fleet Street, London (1976–1978) sharpened his craft.
He served with the NTA and became a pioneer editorial staff of Oyo State Television in 1982, appearing as its first reporter on air. From 1983 to 1989, he served as Chief Press Secretary to four Oyo State governors — one civilian and three military — a rare feat of professional endurance.
He later became pioneer Public Affairs Manager and eventually General Manager, Corporate Affairs, of Odu’a Investment Company, retiring in 2006 after 17 distinguished years.
A revered custodian of Ibadan heritage, he rose through the Olubadan chieftaincy line as Ekefa, Agba Akin, Maye, and finally Abese Olubadan. He chaired the Adegoke Adelabu and Yusufu Olatunji Foundations, held honorary doctorates, and championed Yoruba culture as Cultural Ambassador of the National Museum, Ile-Ife.
Chief Alabi died in Lagos on August 1, 2026, aged 76, and was buried according to Islamic rites — a journalist, courtier, and custodian whose voice enriched both palace and press.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Chief Alabi was a towering figure in Nigerian journalism and public communication.
“For over several decades, late Alabi earned widespread recognition for his clear, firm, and professional handling of government information while serving as the Press Secretary to several administrations in Oyo State.
NAN
