Former Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union, RATTAWU, BCOS Chapel, Comrade Kola Carew, has joined numerous sympathizers to mourn the passing of the pioneer Chairman of the BCOS Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
Comrade Carew, in a condolence message made available to journalists in Ibadan on Monday, described the late Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland as one of the finest sons of Ibadan who made significant impact in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria.
He said the death of the veteran broadcaster and cultural ambassador was a huge loss to the media industry and to Ibadanland.
Speaking on his working relationship with the deceased, Comrade Carew recalled how Oloye Alabi supported him during his tenure as RATTAWU Chairman at BCOS.
“During my tenure as RATTAWU BCOS Chapel Chairman, the deceased supported my programmes with his time, connectivity and impactful advice. He was a father figure and a respected veteran journalist,” he said.
Comrade Carew noted that Oloye Alabi was not only a professional journalist but also a mentor who opened doors for younger media workers and unionists.
According to him, the late journalist used his vast experience in broadcasting, public relations and governance to build bridges between media practitioners and government.
The former union leader described Oloye Alabi as a man who lived for service, culture and the development of Ibadanland.
He said the deceased played a pioneering role in laying the foundation for professional journalism at BCOS, having served as the first Chairman of the NUJ Chapel at the station.
“Oloye Lekan Alabi’s contributions to the growth of BCOS, the media industry and the promotion of Yoruba culture will remain indelible. Ibadanland has lost a gem,”_ Carew added.
He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the NUJ, RATTAWU and the entire media community.
Oloye AbdulRasheed Olalekan Alabi died on August 1st, 2026, at the age of 75. He was buried according to Islamic rites.
