“Oba Sen Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has expressed shock over the death of Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson, the Iyalode of Yorubaland, stating that the nation has lost a rare gem.
This sentiment was conveyed in Olubadan’s immediate response to the mid-day news report of the sudden demise of this woman of substance on a Saturday. The reaction was included in a press statement made available to the media in Ibadan by Oladele Ogunsola, the Personal Assistant (Media) to the Olubadan.
Olubadan, who described the report of the woman’s death as shocking and unbelievable, noted that the absence of recent indications of ill-health or anything untoward about her in the public space made the report painful and very sad.
Recalling the last time Chief Mrs. Lawson, in her capacity as Iyalode of Yorubaland, led women and groups from across the Southwestern part of the country to Oba Balogun’s Alarere residence to felicitate him on his ascension to the Olubadan throne, Oba Balogun emphasized that her passing is a significant loss to the Yoruba race, as well as Nigeria as a whole.
According to the statement, ‘the late woman leader was a high-class entrepreneur with focus and vision. Her love for the younger generation was impeccable, and her respect for the traditional institution was undiluted. She held the position of Iyalode of Yorubaland with grace and poise, offering the women unique leadership.
‘Her death, undoubtedly, creates a void that will be difficult to fill due to her involvement in diverse business areas, all of which she excelled in. Her contributions to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry serve as eloquent testimony to her relevance and contributions to humanity,’ Olubadan added.
Oba Balogun also remembered her philanthropic gestures, describing them as an imperishable legacy. He requested her immediate and extended families, the business community, the people and government of Ogun State, the Yoruba race, the beneficiaries of her humanitarian gestures, and the Nigerian government to find solace in the good life that Chief Lawson lived.
‘As painful and devastating as her passing is, we mortals can do nothing but thank our creator for blessing humanity with such a kind-hearted, committed, passionate, and compassionate personality who left her mark on the sands of time and was called back home at her appointed time by her creator.
‘While praying for the peaceful repose of her gentle soul, I also pray that our God would comfort all and grant all the bereaved the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,’ Oba Balogun further expressed.”
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