Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Dapo Abiodun, ex – Governor Ibikunle Amosun, legendary gospel musician, Ebenezer Obey – Fabiyi, prominent Royal Fathers and chiefs (who sent in their traditional royal symbols), members of the African Church community in Egbaland on Friday paid the last respect to the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Alaba Lawson as the renowned educationist left the world to be with her Maker.
Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, the maiden female President of NACCIMA, Proprietor of Lawson Group of Schools Abeokuta, an enterpreneur and businesswoman, died at age 72. She was interred in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, after a funeral service at the Cathedral of St. James African Church, Idi-Ape – also in Abeokuta.
L-R: Children of the deceased, Babalola and Akinola Lawson; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi and another son, Dr Olaoluwa Lawson during the final burial service of the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson in Abeokuta, on Friday.
Dignitaries extolled her virtues as a courageous woman, a dogged fighter, a philanthropist, friend of the media and an advocate of women’s emancipation.
The Secretary to the Government of Ogun State (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, who was among the plethora of distinguished sons and daughters of the Gateway State that thronged funeral service to pay homage to the late Iyalode of Yorubaland said of Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson: “A quintessential woman, strong-willed, unbreakable but genial and kind. She was a rare breed, who fought for women’s emancipation and was very proud of her roots. She took the Adire Attire and Ogun heritage all over the world. She epitomized the pride of Egbaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.”
Earlier, the elder statesman and ex -president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo described the renowned educationist, Alaba Lawson as “a no nonsense person.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun who attended the service in company of his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said that the late Iyalode of Yoruba land, Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson left a legacy that would be a reference and an inspiration to generations yet unborn.
Abiodun noted that the late educationist life and times were inspiring narrative of great accomplishments.
According to the governor, as the first female president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), former Chairman, Board of Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Fellow and Council Member, Institute of Directors, Chairman Board of Trustees, Nigerian Quality Infrastructure Forum, among others, the deceased dedicated her life to serving the nation, Ogun State and the society at large.
He added that her accomplishments are extraordinary and challenging to replicate.
The governor said: “Chief Alaba Lawson was a woman of remarkable achievements, leaving indelible marks and lasting impact, not just in our dear State, but throughout the entire country. A great philanthropist who garnered numerous accolades throughout her life time and her contributions to the society were immense.
“The Lawson family of Abeokuta has lost a true gem, and the Association of Academics in Nigeria mourns the loss of a distinguished member with exceptional intelligence. Her eventful life will continue to inspire many especially the younger generation.”
He described the late Alaba Lawson as the cultural ambassador who held on to her root by promoting the cultural values and the Adire fabrics wherever she went, adding that as an advocate of women rights, she was fearless and tireless and was always ready to sacrifice for the benefit of the society.
Mrs. Lawson, the governor emphasized, was a loving mother to her children and those of others, saying she lived an impactful life, and was a strong supporter of the present administration, assuring that his administration would do the needful to sustain her legacy.
“We as government, we will do the needful in sustaining your legacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to ensure that we sustain the legacy of our own dear Iyalode Oluwaseun Alaba Lawson,” Prince Abiodun said.
In his sermon, the Primate, African Church, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Abbe, said the late Alaba Lawson lived an impactful life as she was kind and generous to the people, the church and the society.
Iyalode Lawson, according to the Primate, was a defender to the defenceless, a reliable and worthy mother who was not only interested in the welfare of her biological children, but to anyone who crossed her path during her life time.
Taking his text from the Book of Matthew 5 verse 8, the Cleric decried the attitude of some wealthy individuals who care less about the well-being of others, noting that late Alaba Lawson, apart from being a well known educationist, an industrialist with wide network of connections, was a beacon of hope.
He added that her death has created a big vaccum that would be difficult to fill.
He called on the wealthy and those in authority, to work towards alleviating the sufferings in the land brought about by the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, saying many people are struggling to survive due to the hardship.
The service had in attendance the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo; former Governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun his wife, Olufunso; the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, amongst others.
