A tribute to Iyalode Alaba Lawson

• “…Chief Mrs. Lawson was not only a woman of substance but also a politician and a close associate of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun State. She was a mediator and peacekeeper of great repute, a woman leader who lent her support to countless groups, and a dignified philanthropist.”

*Photo: Alaba Lawson *

By Aare Olaseni O. Egbeyemi

The sudden passing of this illustrious daughter of Egbaland struck me with profound shock. It left me in a somber state on a Saturday morning after a sleepless night.

Chief Mrs. Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson was an enigma, a colossus, and a dignified woman of Egba extraction. She epitomized what it meant to be a true “home girl” by every standard.

Her journey began at the St. James Primary School in Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, before she went on to become an alumna of the esteemed Abeokuta Girls Grammar School. Mrs. Alaba Lawson, or “Alalaba” as we fondly called her, started her professional career as a teacher and educator in England. She returned to Nigeria with a vision and established the renowned and prestigious Lawson Group of schools.

Our paths crossed closely in 1987 when I approached her for sponsorship of a children’s programme on NTA Abeokuta. Her warm welcome, unwavering support, and encouragement towards a young man like me were truly remarkable. I soon became her protege, frequently visiting her at her Oke Ilewo office. Through these interactions, I got to know her as a remarkably compassionate woman, a sister, a mother, and above all, a strong-willed individual who had no tolerance for laziness, mediocrity, or foolishness.

In 1988, my late Aunty, Alhaja Kudirat Remawa, the wife of the late General Remawa, along with Mrs. Lawson, Chief Mrs. Titi Ajanaku, Olori Bimpe Lipede, and Sister Titi Durojaiye, came together to form the Oke-Ona Women Association. This was in preparation for the grand Coronation Ceremony of the newly appointed Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuosho. Interestingly, I a young man then served as the interim Secretary of the Association, and all our meetings took place at Lawson School, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta.

I vividly remember an incident involving Oreoluwa, her youngest child, and Aisha, Aunty Kudirat’s niece and the daughter of the late Col. UK Bello, who was General Babangida’s ADC. I drove Oreoluwa and Aisha to Oba  Lipede Market for Aisha’s hair appointment, leaving them with the hairdresser while I attended a meeting at Alake’s palace. Upon my return, the children were nowhere to be found, and the market had closed. Panic set in as I frantically searched for them.

Communication was not as convenient as it is today with mobile phones. Finally, I located them in front of Lawson School, Oke Ilewo. Oreoluwa had suggested they wait there, a considerable distance from Oba Lipede Market. To address the situation, I took a makeshift cane from a flowering plant in front of the school and gave both of tem some strokes of cane.  When Chief Mrs. Lawson heard about it, she repeated the act and absolved me of blame, as Aunty Kudirat had been quick to point blames in my direction.

Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson faced persecution and victimization by a governor in Ogun State, to the extent that the governor attempted to strip her of the title of Iyalode Egba. Nevertheless, Alafin Iku baba yeye, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, recognized her contributions by installing her as the 1st Iyalode of Yorubaland . She was also the first female President of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACIMA). She served as Iyalode of Oke Ona Egba and maintained close friendships with the Oloris of Oba Tejuoso. She held the prestigious position of a former Asiwaju of Iyalode and served as a patron of numerous social and religious organizations.

However, Chief Mrs. Lawson was not only a woman of substance but also a politician and a close associate of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun State. She was a mediator and peacekeeper of great repute, a woman leader who lent her support to countless groups, and a dignified philanthropist.

“Iyalode Alalaba” Lawson was a true custodian of tradition and culture while living and serving as a Christian. Her legacy is one of service, grace, and unwavering commitment.
Sunre Iyalode.

Alalaba tiwa. E jise mi fun  Aunty Stella Obasanjo, Aunty  Kudirat Remawa, Oloye, Titi Ajanaku ati Olori Bimpe Lipede

Iyalode Irene Kokumo, Yeye Toyin  Jaiye-Daramola (Nee Adeyi) ati Olaseni Egbeyemi nse ilede….

May the soul of this noble woman and mother rest in perfect peace.

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