Lekan Are, a multi-faceted personality, practical idealist, says Alaafin

 The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has described the late Dr. Lekan Are, as “a multifaceted personality,  fiercely independent man, a quintessential  industrialist and a strict disciplinarian,  whose antecedents and precedents would remain sources of inspiration for both the present generation and  the posterity.”
Oba Adeyemi, in a condolence message, through his Chief Press Officer, Bode Durojaiye, noted that the deceased was also a devoted husband who was content to live in the shadow of his illustrious wife. 
According to the monarch, “any tribute to the late globally-renowned agronomist would be an empty one, if we were to take no cue from his words, his life. This is because for him, ideas and ideals had no value if they were not translated into action.
 He saw himself not as a visionary, but as a practical idealist.”
The paramount ruler pointed out during his lifetime as the Chairman, University Press Plc., former General Manager, Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, the longest-serving director on the board of Punch Nigeria Limited, staunch  member of Ibadan Elders Forum and a strong pillar of Government College, Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), the late Are contributed invaluably to national growth and development, especially in the area of sound and qualitative education.
Alaafin commiserated with the family.
“On behalf of myself, the Oyo Mesi, and the good people of Oyo metropolis, I commiserate with Are’s family, the  PUNCH, GCIOBA family, and other associates and pray that the  Lord Almighty grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement added.