Veteran journalist Lekan Alabi buried in Ibadan

Mr Alabi, the Abese of Olubadan, died at the age of 76.

Aduwo Ayodele • August 2, 2026

Lekan Alabi [Credit: Adeniyi via Facebook]

The remains of veteran journalist and public relations expert, Lekan Alabi, have been laid to rest at his residence in Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The burial ceremony of the late media icon and respected Ibadan chief on Sunday began with his interment at Eternal Homes, Fiditi, in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, led the Janazah prayer.

The ceremony was witnessed by family members, associates, colleagues, traditional leaders, government officials and well-wishers, who gathered to bid a final farewell.

The Peoples Gazette reported on Saturday that Mr Alabi, the Abese of Olubadan, died at the age of 76.

A statement on Saturday by Adeola Oloko, the media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, announced Mr Alabi’s demise.

“The veteran journalist and multiple press secretary to former Oyo State governors, Lekan Alabi, is dead,” the statement said.

Mr Alabi, who served as a press secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State from 1983 to 1989, died in Lagos.

In his tribute, President Bola Tinubu described Mr Alabi as a consummate journalist and public relations expert, whose lifetime was distinguished by his exemplary public service.

A statement on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, conveyed Mr Tinubu’s sadness over the incident.

He said, “Oloye Alabi was a consummate journalist and public relations expert who had a distinguished public service career. He had the rare privilege of serving four former governors of Oyo State with distinction as Press Secretary.

“Besides being a veteran journalist and renowned public relations practitioner, he was also a cultural icon. His appearance, conduct and character spoke volumes about his passion for culture and tradition.

“He was also the cultural ambassador of the source in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Oloye Alabi was particularly close to the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.”

The president condoled with Mr Alabi’s immediate family, Oba Ladoja and Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the death as “a great loss.”

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.