Gov Abiodun mourns Iyalode of Yorubaland Alaba Lawson’s demise

Gov Abiodun mourns Iyalode of Yorubaland Alaba Lawson’s demise

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reacted to the death of the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, on Saturday.

Lawson reportedly died early Saturday at the age of 72 after a brief illness.

The governor said he received the news of the passing of the business magnate, educational entrepreneur and administrator with great shock.

He described her death as a huge loss to the nation.

The governor 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 paths with her.

This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, on Saturday.

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, Chief (Mrs) 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 the Egba Christians, or the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Lawson was the quintessential definition of a pacesetter. She was thoroughly accomplished and distinguished.”