The CEO ARA Foundation and popular woman politician and socialite, Princess Rahmat Aderonke Adedoja has paid a glowing tribute to the late Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi. Princess Adedoja expressed that Oloye Lekan Alabi was more than a veteran journalist and historian to her as he was a motivating mentor and father-figure.
Below is her full tribute to the late Abese Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
The news of the passing of Agba Olóyè Lekan Alabi hit like the sudden fall of a mighty oak.
To the world, he was a veteran journalist, a distinguished historian, a proud traditionalist, and a true ambassador of Ibadanland and Yoruba culture. But to me, he was simply Baami—an uncle, a mentor, and a father figure whose warm voice, calling my name, still echoes clearly in my ears.
Olóyè Lekan Alabi not only understood tradition, but he embodied it. He was a proud, bona fide son of Ibadan who wore the culture with immense pride and dedicated his life to preserving our rich heritage. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him had no choice but to love him.
My journey with Baami began when I returned to Nigeria from the United States. My mother looked at me and said that the only person she knew who could be a true father, uncle, and mentor—someone capable of taking me to the next level—was Lekan Alabi. When my mother introduced us, he did not hesitate. He took me straight under his wing. He didn’t just offer occasional advice; he became an active, present force in my life. He guided me with wisdom, rooted me in our values, and always pushed me toward excellence.
That was just who Bami was—generous, protective, and completely unmissable. I vividly remember celebrating my 50th birthday. We had hired an MC for the event, but Bami, in his typical hands-on and loving style, felt the host wasn’t doing justice to the occasion. Without missing a beat, he stepped up and took over the microphone! On that day, he seamlessly played every role: he was the Chairman, the Father of the Day, and the MC, filling the entire room with his undeniable charisma, wit, and presence. That was his nature—he gave 100% to the people he loved, and he commanded every room he walked into with grace and flair.
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It is a profound honor to have walked in his shadow, to have learned under his mentorship, and to have been loved by him as family. We have lost a rare gem, a custodian of our history, and a legend of Nigerian journalism. But though he has physically left us, his legacy endures in the institution he built, the culture he championed, and the lives he touched so deeply—including mine.
Goodnight, Baami. Thank you for taking me under your wing. Thank you for the guidance, the laughter, and the love.
May Almighty Allah grant you Aljanah Firdaus, and may your great soul rest in peace.
