The Ibadan establishment on Friday gave its all to honour
Otunba Lekan Abass, one of the popular men who dominated the social scene in
the ancient city. Abass died on September 16, three days to his 51st
birthday.
The St. Anne’s Church, Molete was filled to capacity, with
barely a spare pew to sit on as people came in from different parts of the
country to honour Abass, in whom they had a friend, brother, comrade and
associate.
It was a day Ibadan put aside political, tribal, social and
other sentiments as people came out in their numbers to pay their respect to
the deceased.
The Oyo State Government was well represented with Governor
Abiola Ajimobi leading the team. He came in tow with his wife and members of the
executive cabinet.There is no gainsaying that the Governor's reelection bid will be affected by Abass' absence. He was one of the most loyal supporters of Senator Ajimobi.
Olajuwon, the son of the deceased is the worst hit. Being an
only child, he was a friend and confidant to his dad. He will no doubt miss the
counsel and fatherly care Otunba gave in his life time.
One of those who came to the service because of what Lekan
meant to them was “Good Old Victor”, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the second
Executive Governor of Oyo State. Lekan was a worthy aburo Mrs. Ronke Olunloyo who could not attend the service because
she was outside the country.
One of those aspiring to succeed Governor Ajimobi as the
Governor of Oyo State, Professor Soji Adejumo was there. Adejumo, whose father
and grandfather were Reverend Gentlemen did not leave without greeting the
Vicar and other priests who officiated.
Adenekan Adewale who was with him in the car when he passed
on was also there. Till now, he still looks astounded and friends stood by him
to console him.
Otunba Reuben Famuyibo, one of the longest standing sons of
the deceased too was seen. Ruby was in a black suit and shirt. He too wore a
pale look. In Lekan, he had a friend, brother and teammate. He and Gbenga
Obembe would no doubt miss Lekan Abass for his jokes and the jolly good times
they shared.
From the business establishment came Gboyega Fisher. He wore
a straight look and it was obvious he was still trying to grapple with the hard
fact that Lekan was gone.
Alhaji Tunde Ologburo is one of the few men in Oyo State who
have constantly maintained an apolitical stand despite having friends all
across the political field. He too agrees that Lekan’s shoes can hardly be
filled.
Though Lekan Abass was much younger, Retired AIG Isaac
Boladuro knew him as a fine little brother. He was one of the men the deceased
held in high esteem. Some had even wondered in time past if they were related.
Femi “Danku” Lekuti too was there. He too looked jolted by
Lekan Abass’ death. His trademark bounce was conspicuously missing as he
soberly greeted a few friends after the service.
The Man Lekan Abass
The highly sociable and colourful Otunba Olalekan Kayode
Abass was born to the family of Alhaji Afofu Kolawole Abass and Alhaja Taibat
Abass (nee Aderibigbe) from Ijebu Ode on the 19th September 1963. He
rose from a very humble background. He started school very early in life, and
he attended St. Luke’s demonstration School, Molete for his primary seducation
and Ijaiye High School, Ijaiye for his secondary education. Thereafter, he
started bank work at the defunct Nigeria Arab Bank, Oke Ado, Ibadan and was later
transferred to the Omu Ijebu branch as Assistant Manager.
His quest for further education took him to The Polytechnic,
Ibadan (Saki Campus), where he studied Estate Management. Until his demise, he
was the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Lekan Abass and Associates, a
renowned Estate Consultancy firm. He attended several courses both locally and
internationally.
Otunba Lekan Abass was an amiable, kind-hearted, generous
and lively personality; always willing to go the extra mile for everyone. He never
had a dull moment; neither would he allow those around him to despair.
He always dressed to taste and never compromised good
qualities. He was always neat, suave, urbane and very meticulous about how
things should be done. He worshipped regularly at St. Anne’s Church, Molete
where he was a staunch member of the Fountain of Hope International Society.
What Friends & Associates Said About The Deceased
“The news of the death of Otunba Abass, at the prime of his
age, was a rude shock to all of us and an incident which shows the
temporarility of life.
In spite of his short sojourn on earth, Otunba Abass lived
an eventful life worthy of emulation; commitment to friendship and worthy
causes”- Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Executive Governor, Oyo State.
“Lekan was unique in diverse ways. He loved life and lived
it to the fullest. He was loving and extremely likeable. He was very
forthright, bold and fearsome. He would say it exactly as it is, not minding
whose ox is gored. His loyalty to friendship knew no bounds. He feared and
loved God, loved his fellowmen and used his God-given endowment to promote
God’s causes and alleviate the suffering of his fellowmen”- Sanu Otudeko
“You have made differences in so many people’s lives. You
sowed seeds that benefit others. You lived to be the best that God has made you
to be. You have used the influence and power that God gave you to build other
people up. You have left behind a great legacy of selfless living”- Prince
Adenekan Adewale
What Bro. Biodun Omotayo, the President of the Fountain of
Hope Society, St. Anne’s Church had to say was “Bro Lekan Abass was an old
member of the society. He was a great contributor and a reliable brother who
made a great impact to the growth of the society. His death is shocking, sad and
devastating. We are very unhappy at his death and we pray God to comfort the
family and members of the society at this period of grief.”
“Losing Lakaysen is like losing a limb. With time the wounds
or pains may heal, but surely cannot be replaced”- Femi Idowu Awobote
To Senator Lekan Mustapha, he was “a very loyal and
dependable friend and brother.”
“Thank God for a fulfilled life. You left an indelible mark
on the social scene. We miss you as you depart this sinful world”- Biyi Omisore
“Lekan was a man with distinct character. It is most
unfortunate that he had to depart this sinful world at the prime of his life”-
Chief Gboyega Akin-Deko
“Ibadanland has lost a colourful socialite”- Senator Teslim
Folarin
“Life is tottering like a drop of water on a lotus leaf. No
one will ever know when it will drop. And when it does drop, the leaf looks so
empty. Lekan Abass seems like that now, without him, everything seems so
lifeless and empty”- Taiwo Lloyd-Kuyinu
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