A Walking Encyclopedia Has Fallen' — Adron Group MD Pays Glowing Tribute to Oloye Lekan Alabi

**The Managing Director of Adron Group, Mrs. Nike Ajobo, has described the late Oloye Lekan Alabi as "a walking encyclopedia" whose death has created a vacuum in Nigeria's intellectual and cultural landscape, saying the Southwest has lost one of its finest custodians of history, values and Yoruba heritage.**

Ajobo made the remarks during a condolence visit to the family of the late Ibadan High Chief, where she reflected on the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the renowned historian, public relations icon, cultural ambassador and mentor.

Overcome with emotion, she said the news of Oloye Alabi's passing was almost impossible for her to believe.

"It was unbelievable. Shock is even an understatement. I was heartbroken and deeply disappointed. I had to call his first daughter, Dupe, before I could believe the news. But we do not have power over death. We can only submit to the will of God," she said.

Describing the late elder statesman as an irreplaceable intellectual giant, Ajobo declared that his death was a loss not only to Oyo State but to the entire nation.

> "A walking encyclopedia has fallen. Something significant has left Nigeria, the Southwest and Oyo State. Oloye Lekan Alabi was content-loaded. He was an outstanding historian whose depth of knowledge was extraordinary. How many leaders do we still have today who possess the kind of historical and cultural knowledge that he had?"

Ajobo disclosed that the late Oloye Alabi mentored her for almost two decades during their time at Odua Investment Company, noting that his influence shaped her career, leadership style and personal philosophy.

"He groomed me for almost 20 years at Odua Investment. He was a man I understood very well. He was exceptionally cerebral, a brilliant orator, a respected cultural ambassador and a true custodian of Yoruba values. Every encounter with him was a learning experience."

She recalled that one of the defining moments in her life came when she contemplated relocating abroad in search of greener pastures, but Oloye Alabi persuaded her to have faith in Nigeria.

"There was a time I wanted to japa, but he changed my orientation completely. He believed so much in Nigeria. He encouraged me to appreciate what I have, believe in my country and remain proud of my culture and Yoruba ethos. That conversation changed my life."

Ajobo noted that despite his towering intellect, Oloye Alabi remained approachable, humorous and generous with his knowledge.

"There was never a dull moment with him. He had an amazing sense of humour and always made people comfortable. He freely shared his wisdom and never stopped mentoring those around him. I am grateful that he continued giving value until his very last breath."

She further credited the late High Chief with instilling in her the virtues of excellence, organisation and foresight.

"He taught me how to become a super organiser. He mentored me in event management, taught me to be proactive and inspired me to strive for excellence in everything I do. Those lessons remain invaluable to me."

Ajobo also revealed that she had hoped to witness Oloye Lekan Alabi become the Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing him as a man who embodied dignity, class and exemplary leadership.

"I sincerely looked forward to seeing him become the Olubadan. He represented excellence and carried himself with grace. His life was one of purpose and selfless service."

Praying for the bereaved family, she asked God to grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.

"My prayers are with the entire family, especially his children. I pray that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and gives them the strength to preserve the remarkable legacy he has left behind."

Widely celebrated as one of Nigeria's foremost historians and public relations practitioners, Oloye Lekan Alabi dedicated decades of his life to promoting Yoruba culture, preserving history and mentoring generations of leaders and professionals. His passing marks the end of an era, but the values and knowledge he imparted continue to resonate across Oyo State and beyond.

Obi begs Umahi to fix deplorable roads in Southeast, Southwest

The Onyendu Ndigbo of Ibadanland and Oyo State, High Chief Alloysious Obi, has called on the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to, as a matter of urgency, look into repairing the deplorable roads from the South East to the South West.

Obi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of A.O. Obi and Sons West Africa, said that, as a businessman, he has experienced the hardship caused by roads spanning six states, namely Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo.

According to him, the roads include Ibadan-Ijebu Ode; Ijebu Ode-Ore-Okada-Benin and all the way to Onitsha, and travelling on these roads is like having a date with hardship.

He disclosed that he lost two trailers he used for haulage in the last month, lamenting that during his last journey from Onitsha to Ibadan, he spent over 12 hours on the road.

Obi appealed to Engr. Umahi, whom he described as a man with listening ears, to do everything humanly possible to fix the roads to alleviate the suffering Nigerians undergo daily on the roads, insisting that doing this would bring great relief to the people in the six states. 

While noting that permanently fixing the roads may take a long time, the Chairman of Ndindu Ndigbo in Diaspora stated that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) can do palliative works on the roads, maintaining that the roads need urgent government intervention to reduce the hardship people pass through plying them.

He declared that putting toll gates on the roads when they are fixed will go a long way to generate revenue for the government, insisting that it is better to pay toll on good roads than to face hardship on deplorable roads.

He said, “I want to appeal to our dear Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to help fix the federal roads in the six states of Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo. Indeed, it is like hell travelling from the South East to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. On my part, I spent over 12 hours travelling from Onitsha to Ibadan.

“I believe that urgent fixing of the roads and even palliative works by FERMA will bring a big relief to Nigerians who daily ply these roads. Indeed, it will be better to do this as quickly as possible, as the roads get more deteriorated during rainy seasons.”

MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT DR SAMUEL ADENIYI LAWAL MAKES CASE FOR MENTALLY CHAlLENGED , CANVASSES ENROLMENT FOR MENTAL AND PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION COURSE AT OYSCOHEST ELEYELE IBADAN

A  Mental Health Expert based in Ojaagbo  Ibadan who doubles as Head of Department of Mental and Psychiatric Rehabilitation at the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology , Eleyele Ibadan Dr. Samuel Adeniyi Lawal has called on Nigerians to always show empathy and love to the mentally challenged in the society .

Speaking with journalists in  Ibadan the Oyo State Capital , Dr. Samuel Adeniyi Lawal  stressed the need to always assist the mental patients  emotionally  and psychologically for them not to feel inferior . 

Dr Lawal who said he had passion for taking care of those having mental issues  noted that if people could show love and passion to them and put them on normal relationship , the society would be a better place for everybody. 

He called on the youths to avoid hard drugs , smoking and other juvenile delinquencies for a better future.

Dr Adeniyi Lawal called on the Federal Government to establish more Rehabilitation Centres across the country to cater for those having mental issues.

He advised the Federal Government  to employ more Doctors for mental patients and employ young graduates to ensure peace and progress.

Dr Lawal called on those  seeking admission to apply for Psychiatric and Mental rehabilitation as a Course in the  Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology for admission  for 2026/2027 academic Session.

He said the Course is lucrative as it's Graduate are needed for contemporary Health Management .

Oyo Govt Charges Architects to Rethink Designs for Sustainable Future

 

The Oyo State Government has called on architects and other professionals in the built environment to embrace innovative, climate responsive and environmentally sustainable designs that will safeguard the future and enhance resilient communities.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the 2026 Biennial General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Oyo State Chapter, held in Ibadan, with the theme: "Architects' Capacity, Responsibility and Sustainability."

Aderinto described architects as critical drivers of development, stressing that while the profession possesses the capacity to shape society, it also bears the responsibility of ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are designed with sustainability at their core. 

He stressed this need bearing in mind that climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions have continued to expose the environmental consequences of conventional building practices.

The Commissioner urged architects to adopt innovative approaches that minimise environmental impacts and work in harmony with nature. 

He added that although emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence are transforming the construction industry, the expertise, creativity and professional judgment of architects and engineers remain indispensable in building sustainable communities.

He further cited the recurring flooding experienced in some high brow areas of some state  as evidence of the dangers posed by poor planning, rapid urbanisation and environmental neglect, calling for a complete rethink of building designs to address rising sea levels, building settlements and other climate related challenges.

As part of the event, Hon. Aderinto performed the official unveiling of a newly acquired bus purchased by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Oyo State Chapter, commending the association's leadership for the milestone and encouraging members to continue promoting professionalism, unity and sustainable development within the built environment.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc Sani Saulawa FNIA,PNIA commended the Oyo State Government for its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate conscious development.

 He urged architects across the country to continually uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical practice and innovation, stressing that the future of the built environment depends on designs that are resilient, inclusive and environmentally responsible.

 

Oriire Abduction Judicial Commission invites memoranda from public

 

The Judicial Commission of Enquiry established by the Oyo State Government to investigate and determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Esinele and Yawota communities, Oriire Local Government Area, has called on members of the public with relevant information to submit written memoranda to the Commission.

This announcement was contained in a public notice signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella.

According to the notice, memoranda should include any relevant information, facts, evidence, or materials relating to the abduction, covering, where applicable:

1. The circumstances leading to and surrounding the incident;

2. The circumstances of the abduction and subsequent developments;

3. Information on the security situation before, during, and after the incident;

4. Any acts, omissions, or circumstances that may have contributed to the occurrence;

5. The response of relevant authorities, institutions, communities, or individuals to the incident; and

6. Recommendations considered appropriate for preventing a recurrence of similar incidents.

The notice further states that persons submitting memoranda should provide their full names, contact details, and any supporting documents or materials, where applicable.

All memoranda should be addressed to:

The Secretary, Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Abduction of Students and Teachers in Esinele and Yawota Communities, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.

Submissions may be made physically at the Commission’s Secretariat:

Conference Room, Office of the Head of Service, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan

or via email: oysjceoriireabduction@gmail.com

All memoranda must be submitted on or before August 14, 2026.

Recall that Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, July 31, 2026, inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Enquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Ahoro Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, with the aim of preventing a recurrence.

IBADAN BORN LEGAL ICON ELDER, BARRISTER OLUDARE ADEWALE CAUTIONS ON 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

As 2027 General elections gather momentum, an Ibadan born Legal Magnate  Elder Barrister Oludare Adewale has cautioned politicians to play the game by the rule and respect the rule of law and electoral guidelines in the overall interest of Nigeria . 

Speaking with journalists  in Ibadan over the weekend , Barrister Adewale  warned candidates seeking political offices  not to circumvent the electoral law during their campaigns which will soon start.

The Legal Icon said politicians should avoid character assassination or pull down syndrome  during campaigns calling on them not to see politics as do or die .

He equally reminded those contesting election to allow peace to reign and comfort themselves in orderly manner.

The Legal Luminary who commended INEC over the peaceful conduct of off circle Ekiti State Election called on the political Class to cooperate with the Electoral Umpire in the forthcoming General elections in the Country.

The Legal Luminary who commended INEC over the peaceful conduct of off circle Ekiti State Election called on the political Class to cooperate with the Electoral Umpire in the forthcoming General elections in the Country.

He applauded the Inspector General of Police  for redeploying the Osun State Commissioner of Police to douse the tension and to prove that the APC led Federal Government is poised to conducting free and fair election.

Describing the mayhem currently rocking Osun state as worrisome and disturbing , the Legal Expert called on politicians to remain law abiding  before during and after the August 15 Governorship election.

Commending the Federal Government for providing logistics for INEC and the Security Agencies to ensure adequate security , Barrister Adewale called for professionalism from all  Stakeholders  to ensure a successful polls in 2027  General Elections and Osun Elections coming up on August 15 .

He equally advised journalists to do their jobs professionally by cross checking facts on Election  reports before publishing or airing  in order not to cause confusion or Pandemonium.

Elder Barrister Oludare Adewale however appealed to Nigerians to maintain peace  and vote for the candidates of their choice without fear saying it is their right to vote and be voted for.

He prayed to God to take absolute control before during and after the elections for Nigeria to move on.

CHRISTIAN LEADER , PASTOR STEPHEN AJAYI WARN POLITICIANS AS 2027 ELECTIONS GATHERS MOMENTUM

As 2027 general elections  approach a Christian Leader and a CAC District Coordinating Council SUPRITENDENT  PASTOR Stephen OLUWATOYIN Ajayi has cautioned politicians in the country not to see struggling to attain power as do or die but play the game by the rule in the overall interest of Nigeria . 

Fielding questions from journalists  in Ibadan , the Planter of CAC  Victory Centre AkINGBADE Old  Ife Road Ibadan  Pastor Dr Stephen AJAYI said it is only God who enthrones whoever He likes and not by force emphasizing that thuggery and political violence can not do it calling on Nigerians to vote  according to their conscience . 

The Cleric warned the INEC Chairman to be guided by the fear of God as a  CAC Elder and avoid being induced by desperate politicians  . 

Pastor Dr Stephen OLUWATOYIN Ajayi called  on the Electoral Umpire to let everyone vote count in the 2027 General Election and ensure fairness, and credibility of the election . 

He called on the Security Agencies not to compromise professionalism and ensure peaceful and hitch free  Electoral process. 

The man of God called on parents to warn their children against being used by politicians as thugs to perpetrate mayhem during  the January and February 2027 Elections . 

The Minister of God called on religious leaders to always preach peace and unity in their religious organisations noting that it is only in the atmosphere of peace that there could be meaningful  development . 

The CAC DCC SUPRITENDENT  advised the Federal  Government to tackle the myriad national challenges such as BANDITRY , kidnapping , insecurity , corruption in high places and high rate of unemployment  for Nigeria to move on . 

Dr OLUWATOYIN Ajayi admonished Nigerians to pray for the Country and the leaders as Nigeria belongs to all of us. 

He eulogiZed the CAC President Nigeria and  Overseas under Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele for his sterling leadership style which he said has moved the Church forward . 

He however prayed to God  to grant Nigeria desired peace and take absolute control of the affairs of the Country and 2027 elections in particular .