12th June, 2017
The appointment of Chief Lekan Alabi, a veteran journalist as the Cultural Ambassador of theNational Museum, Ile-Ife, Osun, has received the blessings of foremost traditional rulers in the South-West as the custodian of custom and tradition.
The trio of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; and the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, gave their blessings during a visit by the cultural ambassador to the monarchs.
Alabi, who is the Agbaakin Olubadan of Ibadan, was in March appointed the cultural ambassador of the museum established in 1948.
It is reputed to be one of the best exhibition galleries in the country. The museum’s collections are primarily ethnographic and archaeological with the permanent exhibition of Ife antiquities.
Alabi has written many books including “Speaking for the Governors”.
To the Ooni, the appointment of Alabi, who had served more than six governors of old Oyo State as Chief Press Secretary, is a well-deserved great honour.
“The museum authorities have found you worthy because you are trying to bring back the memories of our great ancestors,” said Ogunwusi in a statement by Mr Olasunkade Azeez, Media Assistant to Alabi.
On his part, the Olubadan said the ambassador had a rich cultural background and exposure that would help to preserve the Yoruba cultural heritage.
For the Awujale, the appointment is a pride to the Yoruba race and he expressed satisfaction that Alabi would bring his experience as a seasoned and well-traveled journalist to bear on his new assignment.
Alabi, a one-time Group Public Affairs Manager for Oodu’a Group of Companies, thanked the tradition rulers for their “royal endorsement”.
The ambassador, who said he was passionate about Yoruba and their rich culture, promised to promote and showcase it to the world.