By Adegbaju Temitope 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has officially announced the death of the Abese Olubadan of Ibadan, Chief Lekan Alabi.

Chief Alabi, a veteran journalist, public affairs expert and elder statesman, died on Saturday in Lagos at the age of 76.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Olubadan’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko.

According to the statement, burial arrangements have been concluded in accordance with Islamic rites, with the late palace chief to be laid to rest on Sunday.

Oloko said further details of the funeral and subsequent memorial activities would be communicated by the palace in due course.

He added that the family had appealed for prayers and support as it mourns the passing of the elder statesman and custodian of Ibadan’s cultural heritage.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Oba Ladoja described Chief Alabi as a respected palace chief whose contributions extended beyond public service and government.

The monarch noted that the late Abese Olubadan occupied one of the prestigious traditional chieftaincy positions in Ibadanland and played a significant role in supporting the Olubadan in the administration of the ancient city.

Chief Alabi was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost journalists and public communication professionals.

Over several decades, he built a distinguished career in journalism and government information management, earning national recognition for his professionalism and dedication while serving as Press Secretary to successive administrations in Oyo State.

His death has been described as a huge loss to the media profession, the traditional institution in Ibadanland and Oyo State, where he was respected for his contributions to journalism, public service and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.