Abiodun, Olubadan mourn Alaba Lawson

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, as a huge loss to the nation.

Also, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun,  Alli Okunmade II, yesterday,  described the death of Lawson as the loss of a gem to Nigeria in general and Yorubaland in particular.

Abiodun, who said he received the news of the passing of the business magnate, educational entrepreneur and administrator with great shock, said he took solace in the fact that the deceased left huge landmarks across a broad spectrum of the Nigerian landscape and would be remembered for being a blessing to thousands of Nigerians who crossed her path.

He added that as an epitome of excellence, the late Lawson represented the very best of Nigerian womanhood and was a model to generations of women.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, Abiodun said: “The passing of Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson is without doubt a shocking development, but we are consoled by her sterling record of service to humanity and unblemished contributions to the development of Ogun State.

“Born into the highly distinguished Jibolu-Taiwo family of Abeokuta, Lawson was an exemplar of the popular Yoruba dictum of one born into nobility, but who goes on to achieve self-rebirth, showcasing the timeless Omoluabi qualities that the Yoruba hold so dear.

“From her education in Nigeria to her sojourn in the United Kingdom, teaching in several schools while studying at the St. Nicholas Montessori Teachers’ Training College at Prince’s Gate, England in 1973 where she set a record by becoming the first African to obtain a First Class Diploma in Education, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, showcased uncommon commitment to excellence.

“When she returned home, she established a string of schools that have shaped the lives of generations of students and contributed immensely to Ogun State’s profile as Nigeria’s education capital.

“Whether as the first female president of NACCIMA, chairman of the board of the Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State; Otun Iyalode of Egba Christians or the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Lawson was the quintessential definition of a pacesetter. She was thoroughly accomplished and distinguished.

“Among other imperishable legacies, the Lawson’s Group of Schools comprising Lawson’s International Private School, Lawson’s Continuing Education Centre, Alaba Lawson Royal College, Abeokuta and Alaba Lawson School of Advanced Studies will continue to bear eloquent testimony to her genius. She will be sorely missed.”

Abiodun commiserated with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba (Dr) Adedotun Gbadebo, and his chiefs, the Lawson family and the nation in general on her demise and prayed that the Almighty God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

In a press statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, the Olubadan described the report of the death of the woman of fame and glamour as shocking and unbelievable.

He noted that the fact that there was nothing in the public space suggestive of ill-health or anything untoward about her made the report painful and very sad.

Recalling the last time the late Lawson, in her capacity as Iyalode of Yorubaland, led other women and groups from across the South Western part of the country to his Alarere residence to felicitate him on his ascension to the Olubadan throne, Oba Balogun maintained that her death was a monumental loss to Yoruba race in particular and Nigeria in general.

“The late woman leader was an entrepreneur of high class with focus and vision. Her love for the younger generation was impeccable and her respect for the traditional institution undiluted. She held the position of Iyalode of Yorubaland with gait and poise and offered the women folk unique leadership.

“Her death, no doubt would create a vacuum that would be difficult to fill because of her various engagements in diverse business areas, all of which she made success of. Her activities in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry bear eloquent testimony to her relevance and contributions to humanity,” the statement added.

Oba Balogun also recalled her philanthrophic gestures, describing them as imperishable legacies.

He asked 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 take solace in the good life the late Chief Lawson lived.