The Aare Apesinola of Ibadanland, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has described the late Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Oloye Lekan Alabi, as a towering figure whose contributions to the history, culture and traditional institution of Ibadan will remain indelible.
Emmanuelking stated this in a condolence letter to the family of the deceased, expressing profound sadness over the passing of the respected Ibadan high chief.
He said Alabi’s death was not merely the loss of a distinguished traditional title holder but the departure of a man who dedicated his life to the service of Ibadanland and the preservation of its heritage.
According to him, the late high chief distinguished himself through honour, integrity and immense intellectual capacity, while carrying out the responsibilities of his office with dignity and commitment.
He noted that Alabi earned the respect of the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional rulers, leaders and members of the public through his exemplary character and commitment to the peace, unity and progress of Ibadanland.
Emmanuelking said the late high chief’s contributions to the traditional institution and preservation of Ibadan’s history had secured him a lasting place in the story of the ancient city.
He added that generations yet unborn would remember Alabi as a worthy custodian of the customs, values and ideals that define Ibadanland.
The Aare Apesinola extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, children, grandchildren, the Alabi family, the Olubadan-in-Council and the people of Ibadanland.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
“Your footprints on the sands of Ibadan’s history shall never be erased, and your memory will continue to inspire generations in the service of our land,” Emmanuelking said.
