Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, dies at 72

The Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Oluseun Alaba Lawson, dies at 72 in the early hours of today, 28th October, 2023.

In a statement signed by the Media Adviser to the late entrepreneur, Dimeji Kayode Adedeji, on behalf of the Lawson family, Mrs Alaba Lawson died at her home in Quarry area of Abeokuta.

The deceased was born on the 18th of January 1951 to Papa and Mrs Emmanuel Abiona Jiboku in Abeokuta. Her father was the late Pa Jiboku (aka JibokuTannatanna) of the defunct Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), and her mother was the daughter of Aderupoko Coker fame of Itesi, Abeokuta.

Alaba had her Primary Education at St. James’s African Primary School, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, between 1957 and 1962. From here, she proceeded to Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School, also known as Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, where she obtained the West African School Certificate 1963-1967.

She started her teaching career in 1969 and later left for St. Nicholas Montessori Teachers’ Training College at Prince’s Gate, England, in 1973 for further studies, where she obtained a 1st Class Diploma in Education with distinction.  The first African student to be so rated at the institution.  A testimonial issued and signed by the co-principals in 1975 attests to this.:

“Mrs Lawson was outstanding in her ability to master her academic studies.  She worked with enthusiasm and intelligence. Therefore, we are sure Mrs. Lawson will make good use of these gifts for the benefits of the Children and Young people in Nigeria.  We shall miss her in the College, but we look forward with confidence to hearing about the work she will accomplish”, the principal wrote.

The late women leader was the proprietress of Lawson Group of Schools established in 1977: – (Crèche, Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Primary, Junior School and College) and Past President of NACCIMA – 19th but 1st Female National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines Agriculture (NACCIMA) 1st Female President Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI).

Lawson was Past Chairman of the board of the Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State (MAPOLY), Past President – of the Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Past President – of Ogun Council of Chambers of Commerce, Past President  –of Odu’a Chambers of Commerce.

The late Iyalode was Global Convener – of NACCIMA Business Women Group (NAWORG), Fellow and Council Member – of the Institute of Directors (IoD), member – of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry      (LCCI), Council Member – Nigerian-British – British Chambers of Commerce(NBCC), Chairman Board of Trustees – Nigerian Quality Infrastructure Forum(NIQIF)

She was matron women In Logistics and Transport (WILAT), Chairman – of ABESTONE Microfinance Bank, Commerce House, Ibara, Abeokuta, 4th Iyalode of Egbaland, conferred on her by Oba Oyebade Lipede. Alake of Egbaland.”

The family, according to the statement, said, “We lost our mother, benefactor to the cold hands of death this morning at her private residence in Abeokuta. It was a sad Saturday morning, but we cannot question God who knows the best. We thank God for her life. She lived a fulfilled life. Iyalode came, saw and conquered and she will forever continue to rest in perfect peace.”

The deceased was the 1st Iyalode of Yorubaland conferred on her by Oba Lamidi Adeyemi – The Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom and was the matron, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Matron, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Council.

Iyalode was matron National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), South-West Nigeria, matron of Nigeria Football Supporters Club and was Amazon of Yorubaland, an award bestowed on her by Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeneye Ogunwusi.