Music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has described the death of the Iyalode of Egbaland and Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, who died on Saturday, as a colossal loss to him, the family, Egbaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large.
Obey revealed that although the family knew about her health status and was prayerful and hopeful for her speedy recovery, it was painful to lose such a woman of great virtue and many parts.
“It was news that we never wished to hear. She was very ill, and the family had been making serious efforts and praying for her recovery. She was also a courageous woman who strongly believed in her recovery. She fought so hard, and we were hopeful for God’s miracle.
“As things turned this way, we didn’t have any option but to accept the will of God. It is a big loss to the nation, the state, our community, and the entire family because she was a big asset.
Mama Ore was a great philanthropist, a woman of great influence, a great achiever, and an educationist par excellence.
Her worth is too numerous to mention. She means a lot to the children, adults, market women, and people irrespective of class and colour,” Obey said.
Speaking on his last moment with the deceased, the music icon noted that he visited her on her sick bed recently and prayed with her after some conversation.
“I recently visited her in the hospital; we had a chat, and I prayed with her. She expressed confidence that she would bounce back soon.
I was happy with her spirit. It is painful that her wish didn’t come true, but my greatest joy is that she lived a fulfilled and impactful life.
“She would be greatly missed. She had a well-principled personality and was a great disciplinarian. Caring and compassionate to all and sundry. Sometimes I tell her to take things easy as a woman, but it is amazing to see her so strong and making great impacts.
“There is no place she touched where she didn’t leave an indelible mark. Her impact as the first female president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) was impressive.
She gave scholarships to many children at her school. She has an exceptional personality,” he added.
