The Oyo State Chapter of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has described the late veteran journalist and public relations practitioner, Oloye Lekan Alabi, as a media icon whose life and works inspired generations of media and communication professionals.
In a statement jointly signed by the state chapter’s Chairman, Professor Titiloye Ojo, and Secretary, Rotimi Agboluaje, the association said Oloye Alabi’s death marked the end of an era in Nigeria’s communication and Public Relations practice.
The association said Alabi distinguished himself through scholarship, professional excellence and an unwavering commitment to advancing communication practice.
According to the statement, the late Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland combined intellectual depth with practical experience, authoring books, delivering scholarly presentations and mentoring countless communication professionals.
“His scholarship and erudition were evident in the numerous books he authored and the insightful presentations he delivered over the years. He was an eloquent communicator, a media professional par excellence, an outstanding Public Relations expert, a respected social commentator and a gifted storyteller whose works will continue to inspire generations of public relations practitioners and corporate communicators,” the statement read.
The association recalled Alabi’s distinguished public service, particularly his role as Chief Press Secretary to four successive governors of Oyo State, describing his contributions as a testament to his professionalism, integrity and mastery of strategic communication.
It added that throughout his career, Alabi remained a bridge between government, the media and the public, earning widespread respect for his wisdom, humility and dedication to service.
ACSPN said his contributions to journalism, Public Relations, public communication and knowledge dissemination had left an enduring legacy that would continue to shape communication scholarship and professional practice in Nigeria.
The association extended its condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the government and people of Oyo State, the media community, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), professional colleagues and the Alabi family, praying that they would find the strength to bear the loss.
It urged communication scholars and practitioners to honour Alabi’s memory by upholding the values of professionalism, scholarship and ethical communication that defined his lifetime.
Established to promote scholarship, research and evidence-based practice in media and communication, ACSPN is Nigeria’s foremost professional body for communication scholars and practitioners. The association is led nationally by Professor Rotimi Olatunji of Lagos State University, while veteran journalist Lanre Arogundade serves as its South-West Chairman.
