The passing of Oloye Lekan Alabi has been described as the loss of a “priceless” figure whose influence stretched far beyond Ibadanland and Oyo State. In a heartfelt tribute, Ibukun Ogunniran, JP, the CEO of Phenom International Publishers, Ibadan, portrayed the late traditionalist, journalist, public relations practitioner, historian and mentor as a man of many dimensions whose greatness defied simple description.
“To describe the passing of Oloye Lekan Alabi as the loss of a luminous gem is an understatement. He was far more than a gem he was priceless,” Ogunniran wrote.
“A man of many colours, many gifts, and many dimensions. He was like the proverbial elephant surrounded by ten blind men, each describing only the part they touched. No single description can adequately capture the greatness of Oloye Lekan Alabi.” he said.
According to Mr Oginniran, Oloye preferred the indigenous title over the anglicised “Chief,” a choice that reflected his deep reverence for culture, tradition and identity.
He further described him as “a harmonious blend of intellect, wisdom, culture, and refinement, a rare combination of scholarship, journalism, public relations, and statesmanship.” He devoted his life to preserving cultural heritage, promoting unity and projecting the history of Ibadan and Yorubaland to the world.
His death, the tribute noted, represents “a monumental loss not only to Ibadanland and Oyo State but also to Nigeria and the global community that benefited from his immense knowledge as a cultural ambassador, accomplished journalist, seasoned public relations practitioner, historian, and mentor. Above all, he was a destiny shaper whose influence transformed many lives.”
Ogunniran, who first admired Oloye from secondary school and later worked closely with him as a graphic communication specialist and publisher, recalled executing several print production projects under the late elder’s guidance. “His unmatched expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of excellence transformed every assignment into a masterpiece,” he stated.
As Founding Chairman of the Adegoke Adelabu Foundation, Oloye commissioned Phenom International Publishers in 2015 to reproduce, repackage and publish ‘Africa in Ebullition’, one of the celebrated works of the nationalist Chief Adegoke Adelabu, as part of the centenary celebrations. “Working with Oloye on that project remains one of the greatest professional experiences of my career,” Ogunniran said.
He remembered Oloye as a man of principle, discipline and excellence who accepted nothing short of the best. “No lazy or unserious person could work comfortably with him because he believed excellence was a duty, not an option.”
Punctuality was another hallmark. “Oloye was a man of his word. Whenever he fixed an appointment, he honoured it without fail. In fact, he was often at the venue before everyone else. He had little patience for poorly organised events or unnecessary delays because he believed that respect for time was respect for people.”
Despite his achievements, he remained humble. Ogunniran fondly called him “Baba Awon Omo Keekeekee” the pathfinder and father figure for the younger generation. “He rarely declined invitations unless he had prior commitments. He treated everyone with dignity and respect, irrespective of status or background.”
Oloye also contributed significantly to the growth of Phenom Magazine, a publication of the same outfit, which he embraced and nurtured with passion and wise counsel. “He was phenomenal,” Ogunniran declared.
The memories of Oloye Lekan Alabi, the tribute concluded, “will forever remain cherished and indelible in the hearts of the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and all whose lives he touched. His legacy of excellence, humility, discipline, cultural preservation, and mentorship will continue to inspire generations yet unborn.”
Ogunniran prayed that Almighty God grant Oloye eternal rest and give his family, friends, associates and the entire Ibadanland the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
