Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed profound sorrow at the demise of Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, the distinguished Iyalode of Yorubaland, characterizing her passing as a significant loss to the nation.
Governor Abiodun conveyed his deep shock upon learning of the death of this remarkable business tycoon, educational visionary, and accomplished administrator. He took comfort in the fact that Chief (Mrs) Lawson had left an indelible mark across various spheres of Nigerian society, blessing the lives of countless Nigerians she crossed paths with.
Describing her as an epitome of excellence, Governor Abiodun lauded her as the embodiment of the very best of Nigerian womanhood and a role model for generations of women.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Governor Abiodun shared his thoughts: “The passing of Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson is undoubtedly a shocking development, but we are consoled by her sterling record of service to humanity and unblemished contributions to the development of Ogun State.”
Chief (Mrs) Lawson, born into the esteemed Jibolu-Taiwo family of Abeokuta, was a living testament to the Yoruba saying of rising above one’s noble origins to achieve remarkable accomplishments, exemplifying the enduring Omoluabi virtues cherished by the Yoruba people.
From her education in Nigeria to her educational journey in the United Kingdom, where she studied at the St. Nicholas Montessori Teachers’ Training College at Prince’s Gate, England, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her achievement of becoming the first African to obtain a First Class Diploma in Education at the college was an extraordinary feat.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she established a series of schools that have had a profound impact on the lives of numerous students, playing a pivotal role in cementing Ogun State’s reputation as Nigeria’s education hub.
Throughout her life, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson achieved numerous milestones, including being the first female president of NACCIMA, chairing the board of the Governing Council at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, and holding esteemed positions in her community as Otun Iyalode of the Egba Christians and the Iyalode of Yorubaland.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged that Chief (Mrs) Lawson’s legacy will endure through institutions like the Lawson’s Group of Schools, which comprises Lawson’s International Private School, Lawson’s Continuing Education Centre, Alaba Lawson Royal College, Abeokuta, and Alaba Lawson School of Advanced Studies, all of which will continue to be a testament to her remarkable contributions.
In closing, Governor Abiodun extended his condolences to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba (Dr) Adedotun Gbadebo, the Lawson family, and the nation at large. He prayed for divine strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.
