By Adeshina Osaze Kadri
Chief (Ambassador) Adeshina Osaze Kadri is a Humanitarian and Philanthropist who shared very great moments with the late legend of Journalism, Public Relations and custodian of Yoruba Culture, Oloye Lekan Alabi who passed away on August 1st 2026.
Following the passage of the late High Chief, Ambassador Adeshina Osaze Kadri penned down this tribute to honor his uncle, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Excerpts;
It is with profound sadness, yet with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, that I join millions of Nigerians, the media community, the people of Ibadanland and lovers of Yoruba culture across the world in mourning the passing of one of the greatest icons of our time, Oloye Abdulrasheed Olalekan Alabi, the revered Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, veteran journalist, accomplished public relations strategist, distinguished historian and cultural ambassador, who peacefully departed this life on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
His transition is not merely the loss of an individual; it is the departure of an institution whose life embodied scholarship, integrity, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the Yoruba people. Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds, while Ibadanland has lost one of its most devoted custodians of history and tradition.
For over five decades, Oloye Lekan Alabi distinguished himself as an exemplary journalist whose professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment to truth earned him the admiration of colleagues and the respect of the nation. His remarkable career in journalism and public communication was characterised by excellence, credibility and an uncompromising dedication to factual reporting.
As Chief Press Secretary to successive Governors of Oyo State, he brought uncommon brilliance, strategic communication and exceptional administrative competence to public service. His legendary attention to detail, intellectual depth and mastery of language made him one of the most respected public relations practitioners of his generation. Many journalists who today occupy prominent positions in the media industry benefited immensely from his mentorship, guidance and insistence on accuracy, fairness and ethical journalism.
Yet, remarkable as his media career was, Chief Lekan Alabi’s greatest legacy perhaps lies in his extraordinary devotion to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba civilisation. Beyond journalism, he was an exceptional custodian of Yoruba history whose immense knowledge of Ibadan’s origins, traditional institutions, folklore and oral traditions earned him national recognition as one of the foremost authorities on Yoruba cultural heritage.
Having previously held the prestigious traditional titles of Ekefa Olubadan, Gbonka Olubadan, and later ascending to the exalted position of Maye and then Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland before his passage, he dedicated his entire life to safeguarding the customs, values and identity of Ibadanland. At palace ceremonies, chieftaincy installations, historical gatherings and cultural festivals, his presence was synonymous with authority, authenticity and wisdom. Whenever questions arose regarding Ibadan history, royal protocol or traditional practices, Chief Lekan Alabi remained the dependable reference whose vast knowledge settled debates with remarkable clarity.
He did not merely document the history of Ibadan; he became an integral part of it. He defended its traditions, interpreted its institutions and projected its cultural identity to the world with uncommon passion and pride. His unique Ibadan expressions, exceptional wit and captivating storytelling endeared him to generations who saw in him not just a historian, but the living memory of Ibadanland.
As an accomplished author and historian, he committed his wealth of knowledge to writing, ensuring that future generations would inherit authentic accounts of Ibadan’s military exploits, chieftaincy institution, political evolution and the enduring values of Yoruba civilisation. To him, journalism and history were inseparable callings—both existing to preserve truth, educate society and inspire posterity.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chief Lekan Alabi was a man of uncommon humility, simplicity and humanity. Despite his towering achievements and national recognition, he remained approachable, generous with his knowledge and ever willing to mentor younger generations. His life demonstrated that true greatness is measured not merely by titles and honours, but by service, character and the positive impact one leaves on humanity.
His enduring contributions to journalism, public relations, historical scholarship and cultural preservation have left an indelible imprint on our nation. His legacy will continue to illuminate the path for journalists, communicators, historians, cultural advocates and leaders who seek to serve society with honour, excellence and integrity.
On behalf of my family and the entire Kadri family, I extend my deepest condolences to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,(Arusa1), the Olubadan-in-Council, the immediate family of the deceased, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the entire media fraternity, traditional institutions across Yorubaland and the good people of Ibadanland on this monumental loss.
Although his earthly voice has been silenced, his works will continue to speak across generations. His books will educate. His professional legacy will inspire. His cultural contributions will endure. His memory will forever occupy a distinguished place in the history of Nigerian journalism and the cultural renaissance of Yorubaland.
May Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his countless good deeds and grant his family, friends, colleagues and the entire people of Ibadanland the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Oloye Abdulrasheed Olalekan Alabi lived with honour, served with distinction, preserved history with passion and departed with an enduring legacy that time can never erase.
Adieu, Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Adieu, doyen of Nigerian journalism.
Adieu, guardian of Yoruba civilisation.
Your light shall continue to shine through the generations you inspired
