Veteran journalist, late Lekan Alabi
Nigeria has lost one of its respected media veterans and public communication experts, Oloye Lekan Alabi, who died on Saturday morning in Lagos at the age of 76.
Alabi, a distinguished journalist, author, public relations consultant, syndicated columnist and motivational speaker, passed away after a lifetime devoted to journalism, public service and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.
His death was announced in a statement issued by the Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko.
Born on October 27, 1950, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Alabi built an illustrious career that spanned several decades, earning recognition as one of the pioneers of modern broadcast journalism in southwestern Nigeria.
He began his media journey at Onibonoje Press Limited before joining Sketch Publishing Company Limited in 1973, where he became one of the company’s youngest reporters and the first dual columnist in both the organisation and Nigeria.
Seeking to broaden his professional expertise, Alabi attended the renowned College of Journalism on Fleet Street in London, graduating in 1978. Upon his return, he worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan, before joining the then Television Service of Oyo State—now the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS)—as one of its pioneer editorial staff when the station commenced transmission in 1982. He was the first reporter to appear on the station and also served as the inaugural chairman of its chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Earlier in his career, Alabi also served at the former Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), where he made notable contributions to broadcast journalism and public communication.
His experience in journalism paved the way for a distinguished career in government service. In 1983, he was appointed Press Secretary to the late Chief Bola Ige, then Governor of the old Oyo State. He subsequently served as Press Secretary to successive governors, including both civilian and military administrations, between 1983 and 1989.
Following his tenure in government, Alabi joined Odu’a Investment Company Limited as its first Public Affairs Manager in 1989. After 17 years of service, he voluntarily retired in 2006 as the conglomerate’s first General Manager, Corporate Affairs.
Beyond journalism and public service, Alabi remained deeply committed to the promotion of Yoruba history and culture. He held the traditional title of Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland and served as the Cultural Ambassador of the National Museum, Ile-Ife. He also chaired the Adegoke Adelabu (Penkelemesi) Foundation and the Yusufu Olatunji (Baba l’Egba) Foundation, while serving as a trustee of several cultural organisations, including the Adekunle Fajuyi Foundation, D.O. Fagunwa Foundation and Duro Ladipo Foundation.
In recognition of his contributions to scholarship and public service, Achievers University, Owo, conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in 2013.
According to family sources, Alabi will be buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while details of the funeral arrangements will be announced later.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Oloye Lekan Alabi leaves behind a rich legacy of excellence in journalism, public communication, public service and the preservation of the cultural heritage of Ibadanland.
