Adron Group Managing Director Mrs. Nike Ajobo has paid a glowing tribute to the late Oloye Lekan Alabi, calling him “a walking encyclopedia” and monumental loss to Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
Ajobo made the remarks during a condolence visit to the family of the celebrated historian, public relations icon, and cultural ambassador, describing his passing as almost impossible to believe.
“It was unbelievable. Shock is even an understatement,” she said. “I had to call his first daughter, Dupe, before I could believe the news.”
She hailed the late High Chief as an irreplaceable intellectual giant: “A walking encyclopedia has fallen.
“Something significant has left Nigeria, the Southwest and Oyo State. How many leaders today possess the kind of historical and cultural knowledge that he had?”
Ajobo revealed that Oloye Alabi mentored her for nearly 20 years at Odua Investment Company, shaping her career and leadership philosophy. She recalled how he once persuaded her not to “japa” abroad, instead convincing her to believe in Nigeria.
“There was a time I wanted to japa, but he changed my orientation completely. That conversation changed my life,” she said.
Despite his towering intellect, Oloye Alabi remained approachable, humorous, and endlessly generous with his knowledge, Ajobo noted.
“I sincerely looked forward to seeing him become the Olubadan. He represented excellence and carried himself with grace,” she added.
Oloye Lekan Alabi is widely celebrated as one of Nigeria’s foremost historians and cultural custodians, whose legacy of mentoring, scholarship, and Yoruba heritage advocacy endures long after his passing.
