Iyalode Alaba Lawson…..A Potential First Female Nigerian President Is Gone

Tribute:

BY OLOYE ‘LEKAN ALABI

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, MFR, F.Iod, the Iyalode Egbaland and Iyalode Yorubaland, a perfect fix for the above-named exalted Nigerian political position, passed on in her hometown, Abeokuta, Ogun State of Nigeria. She was aged 72 years. May the kind soul of Iyalode Alaba Lawson rest in perfect peace.Amen.   

The first female President of NACCIMA, an acknowledged amazon in education, commerce, industry, tradition, culture, music, fashion, community development etc, except partisan politics, Iyalode Lawson shot to the sky in every human endeavor she put her finger in.

I have stated in my past three tributes, since her departure, that the late Iyalode Lawson and my humble self were soulmates. I admired her patriotism, industry, humility, charm,dapper, love of tradition and culture, among her other virtues.

In my tribute to her shortly after her demise, titled: “Iyalode Alaba Lawson, A Potential First Female Nigerian President, Is Gone“, I informed the world of the correlation between my humble forecast and the commendation of Mr. John Pawlucy, of the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), USA, in the  “Global Testimonials” section of the 2019 book: “Serving The Chambers”, wherein Mr. Pawlucy said: “I meant it when I said you should run for President of Nigeria. You would be excellent”.

The gentleman spoke my mind, like those of other people who saw Iyalode Lawson work and excel at close quarters.

As we say here, “Alfa s’oro,ojo ku u”, Mr. Pawlucy, an American authority on international commerce and industry, long before the death of Iyalode Lawson, saw the presidential attribute in the amazon.

Why, like the other potential distinguished Nigerian females, she treated partisan politics, the Nigerian stinking version, with a long pole does not surprise me at all.

Who were/are the other potential accomplished Nigerian females whom the country presidential (gele) fits, but have never shown public interest, like the late Iyalode Egbaland and Iyalode Yorubaland?

They were/are the late trained matron, successful businesswoman, and philanthropist, Alhaja Sulia Aduke Adedeji and the former Chairperson/Group Managing Director of BEWAC Plc, the late Ayora Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi. May their valiant souls continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Among the female potentials who are still living,are the Harvard University-educated, elegant two-time Federal Minister and a High Chief in the Ibadanland female Traditional Chieftaincy Line and a US University graduate and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia and Malawi.

If these two female non-partisan senior citizens get to hear from my readers that I mentioned them as potential first female President of Nigeria, I will deny and say I didn’t tell anyone that the mother of the king was a witch!

I keep my powder dry for now, on my promised tributes to my soul friend and sister, Iyalode Alaba Oluseun Lawson. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. Amen.

When A Soul Sister And Brother Met   

Above photograph was taken last year (2022) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the 60th birthday thanksgiving service/reception of the Ibadan-born, but Abeokuta resident, Pastor Tunji Akintayo, a gentleman, veteran Radio/Tv journalist, compere and longtime Aide/Adviser to Evangelist (Professor) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi,MFR.

Tunji is close to many distinguished Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, who chaired the birthday thanksgiving service/reception, accompanied by his wife, Mama Bola Obasanjo. I represented Kabiyesi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Alayeluwa Oba Senator (Dr.) Mohood Olalekan Balogun, CFR, Alli-Okunmade 11, at the ceremony, where Kabiyesi Osile, Oke-Ona Egba, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, CFR, and his three Oloris were also present

*Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi is the Maye of Olubadan of Ibadanland.