Iyalode: Governor Abiodun visits family, pledges government support for befitting burial

The Ogun State Governor on Saturday evening paid a condolence visit to members of the family of late Iyalode of Yorubaland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson who died at 72 in the early hours of the day, with assurance that the government will participate fully in giving the deceased a befitting burial.

Penpushing reports that Abiodun arrived the home of the deceased located at quarry area of Abeokuta at about 9.30pm, and was accompanied by his Deputy, Engr (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele alongside some other top government functionaries.

The other notable individuals who accompanied the Governor was Senator Shuaib Salisu, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, as well as Hon Afolabi  Afuape, member of the House of Representatives representing Abeokuta constituency at the national assembly.

Penpushing further reports that the Governor and his entourage were received by the children of the deceased which include Akinnola, Babalola and Oreoluwa, as well as other members of the family

The Governor addressing the bereaved family described the death of the Iyalode of Yorubaland as a huge loss to the nation, adding that he received the news of the passing of the business magnate, educational entrepreneur and administrator with great shock.

Penpushing also reports that 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.

The Governor who pointed out that he was yet to come to term over the death, added that the deceased as an epitome of excellence, represented the very best of Nigerian womanhood and was a model to generations of women.

‘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 Jibodu-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’. He added.

‘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’, Abiodun added.

‘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’, he emphasised.

‘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.”

Penpushing reports that the Governor said he recalled she has been under weather for a while, adding that she was mother to many who was a disciplinarian and known to call spade a spade, as well as passionate and committed to developmental growth

‘Your mother is a mother to many things and mother to many. Very discipline person who call spade a spade.  Very passionate and committed to developmental growth. Besides being educationists, she was at vanguard of women development. Am still trying to come to terms with her demise. We pray for the repose soul of Iyalode. It’s a sad and painful loss’, Abiodun stated

‘She lived a very impactful life. The number of calls I received is countless. The media reportage was an indication of her relevance. Virtually every newspaper reported the demise. We have set up a committee to interface with the family to give her a befitting burial’, the Governor emphaised

Penpushing further reports that Media Adviser of the late notable female Nigerian entrepreneur, and educationist Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji had earlier in a statement on behalf of the family announced the death

The statement explained that Lawson passed on peacefully in her bedroom as about 5.47am at  her private residence on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at age 72 in her private residence located in Quarry Road area of Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital

‘This is to announce the transition of a notable female Nigerian entrepreneur, an educationist the Iyalode of Egbaland and Iyalode of Yoruband, Iyalode Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson who passed on peacefully today Saturday the 28th of October 2023 at 72’, the statement reads

The statement added that her corpse has been deposited at a private mortuary, and that the family will later announce burial arrangements, while a condolence register has been opened at the deceased home and at her private established schools located at  Oke-Ilewo and Kuto area of Abeokuta respectively

‘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 statement added

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