Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli, the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, has expressed condolences over the passing of veteran journalist and Abese Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
Alli, in a condolence message personally signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan, described Alabi’s death as a monumental loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria.
He said Alabi was a towering personality whose career in journalism, public service, and the traditional institution reflected intellectual excellence, integrity, deep knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ibadanland.
The APC candidate said Alabi’s contributions transcended journalism and public service, stressing that his wisdom, dignity, experience and commitment to the progress of Ibadanland made him a significant figure within the traditional institution.
He noted that the deceased’s service as Press Secretary to successive Oyo State governors demonstrated his uncommon mastery of communication, government affairs and public relations.
“Lekan Alabi was a towering personality, an accomplished journalist, distinguished public servant, and revered traditional chief whose life was devoted to service, knowledge, and the advancement of society.
“His passing is a painful and irreplaceable loss. Ibadanland has lost a custodian of its history and values, while the journalism profession has lost one of its finest voices and most experienced practitioners.
“His footprints in journalism, public service, and the traditional institution remain indelible. His legacy will continue to inspire generations and serve as a reminder of the power of knowledge, integrity, and service to humanity,” Alli said.
He commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the entire Ibadan traditional institution, the Alabi family, journalists and associates of the deceased.