A pillar of grace and poise, Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson, who held the esteemed titles of Iyalode of Yorubaland and Iyalode of Egbaland, has died. She died on Saturday [today] morning aged 72.
She was not only a distinguished figure, but also a woman of great influence in Nigeria. She served as the former president of the Abeokuta Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ABEOCCIMA), and also held the position of National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
The news of her demise was officially communicated by AbdulRahman Maku, the executive secretary, ABEOCCIMA, in a statement to the Press.
It reads: “We regret to announce the demise of NACCIMA past President and ABEOCCIMA Matron/Board of Trustees, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, Iyalode of Yorubaland, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 28th October 2023. Burial arrangement to be announced later by the family. May God Almighty grant repose of the soul of Iyalode.”
She was born on January 18, 1951 and she later rose in life to become a prominent Nigerian business magnate, entrepreneur, academician and a fervent advocate for the empowerment and advancement of women.
Throughout her lifetime, she also made significant contributions to the field of education as she later founded the renowned Alaba Lawson Group of Schools in Abeokuta.
The woman, known for her fashionista elegance and calm demeanor, breathed her last in the early hours of this morning and would be remembered for her legacies and impact in the hearts and minds of those she inspired and worked together with.
