TRIBUTES have been pouring in for the veteran journalist, Alade Odunewu who bid farewell to the world on Thursday night.
Odunewu passed away four months shy of his 86th birthday.
Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians have begun mourning Odunewu whom many regard as a quintessential media professional and a role model to many Nigerian journalists.
Odunewu's Place Among The Greats Of Nigerian Journalism Is Assured, Says Jonathan
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has, on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, condoled with the family of the late foremost journalist, AlhajiAlade Odunewu who passed away Thursday's night at the age of 85.
In a statement by Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Reuben Abati, Jonathan joins the Odunewu family and all who knew "Allah De" as he was popularly known in mourning the veteran journalist who attained national fame with his popular and widely read satirical newspaper columns with which he entertained, educated and edified the public.
According to Abati, the President believes that as Odunewu is laid to rest in Lagos today, his family, relatives, associates, admirers and the many media professionals for whom he was an inspiring mentor and role model should be comforted by the knowledge that his place alongside the greats of Nigerian journalism is assured.
President Jonathan said the veteran journalist would be eternally remembered and honoured as a nationalist and patriot whose notable contributions to national development extended well beyond his chosen profession of journalism to the public service of his state and Nigeria where he served with distinction as Commissioner, member of the Federal Electoral Commission and Chairman of the Nigerian Press Council.
The President therefore urges the present generation of Nigerian journalists to strive to emulate Odunewu's exemplary craftsmanship, courage, forthrightness, fairness, patriotism, honesty and moral rectitude which were most apparent in his life and also evident in 'Winner Takes All', the collection of writings which he has bequeathed to posterity.
Alade Odunewu, A Journalism Giant, True Nationalist - Tinubu
THE demise of veteran journalism icon, Hadj Alade Idowu Odunewu has been described as the exit of journalism great by former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
For Tinubu, the death of Odunewu perhaps draws the curtain on the generation of journalists who took the profession to an enviable and reputable status. Remembering his sojourn and stewardship at Daily Times with great pride and nostalgia, Tinubu said " Odunewu's death is like the vanishing of that lone shining star that serves as guide to others. An icon and a journalist per excellence, hardly can anyone in the journalism firmament of our country contest this position with him. He brought to journalism finesse, intellectualism, humour and a rare sense of patriotism.
"If there was ever a Nigerian Journalism Hall of Fame, Odunewu's banner must rise above all others because of his commitment to journalism and service to country".
Allah De Was a Man Of Uncommon Talent – Atiku
FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the death of the veteran journalist, Alhaji Alade Idowu Odunewu at the age of 85, would create a big vacuum in journalism for many years to come.
Popularly known as Allah De in his celebrated column in the Daily Times, the former Vice President recalled, "his sense of humour gave his writing style a unique and inimitable quality and class."
According to Atiku, journalists had a lot to learn from the extraordinary talent of the late Odunewu whose column became so popular like a hot cake because of its satirical and humorous style.
However, the former Vice President reminded Nigerians that the late Odunewu should not only be celebrated for his sense of humour, also because of his integrity.
"From the accounts of the man I have read and from what I have heard about him, I am convinced the late veteran journalist deserves all the accolades being to his memory.
His Death Deletes Media Think Tanks - Aregbesola
THE Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has described the death of the veteran journalist, Alhaji Alade Odunewu, popularly known as Allah De, as a huge loss to the nation and the pen profession.
Aregbesola said Odunewu's death signals the end of several decades of service to fatherland and the mankind.
In a statement by the Director Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola affirmed that the octogenarian's death further deletes the media think tanks.
The Governor said Odunewu, a prominent Nigerian journalist, who became famous for his satirical essays and his 'Allah De' columns in Daily Times of Nigeria, has contributed to the development of journalism and progress of the nation.
"The death of Alhaji Odunewu brings to mind the transient nature of man's sojourn on earth.
"His death however affects us all for he has impacted on just as he has served humanity with his pen.
"A consummate and top-on-the- self journalist, Odunewu wrote with passion and uncommon vigour.
"The media world has certainly lost a gem, gifted and experienced writer and information disseminator per excellence.
"On behalf of myself, government and the people of Osun, I condole with the immediate and extended families of the deceased and the Nigerian Union of Journalists. May Allah bless him with Aljana Firdaus," Aregbesola said.
He Was Icon Of Journalism, Says Amosun
OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the late veteran journalist and former chairman of the Nigeria Press Council, Alhaji Alade Odunewu, as an icon of journalism.
The governor commiserated with the media community in Nigeria on the loss of the frontline journalist and renowned columnist.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Amosun described Odunewu as a cerebral writer and satirist extraordinaire.
"Allah De, as he was fondly called, left indelible prints as a columnist, editor of Daily Times and chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Media Merit Award. The nation has truly lost a patriotic opinion moulder, educator and builder of men," the governor said.
His Death... End of Another Phase of Our Public Life, Says Maduka
"ODUNEWU'S passage is a great loss to the entire country. As my predecessor, he played his part effectively demonstrating high leadership quality with a first class view on media matters. He retired as Chairman of NMMA Board of Trustees last year and I took over from him, the same way he succeeded Alhaji Babatunde Jose some few years ago. Both of them took NMMA to an enviable position. Those working with them benefitted from their leadership. Succeeding him is a challenge for me. It would have been good to have him around and draw from his wealth of experience. His death marks an end of another phase of our public life."
Chairman, NMMA Board of Trustees, Vincent Maduka
His Legacy Will Live For Long - Maida
"THE death of Odunewu is a great loss to Journalism and Nigeria. "Odunewu was our chairman at Nigeria Press Council and Nigeria Media Merit Award where I served as member for a very long time. He was my pillar when I served as President of Nigeria Guild of Editors. Odunewu was a professional to the core who combined experience and appreciation of the modern trends in journalism practice. Allah-De left but his legacies in our profession will live for a very long time." Former Managing Director, NAN, Wada Maida.
He Was Passionate About Journalism - Oyo
I had the privilege of drinking from his deep well of wisdom for more than two decades especially during her tenures as president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. "He was passionate about journalism and worked very hard to ensure adherence to the ethics of the profession. His warm smile, his sterling qualities will be sorely missed." Former MD (NAN), Mrs. Olurem? Oyo.
ODUNEWU was a thoroughbred professional journalist who wrote incisively and delivered his messages in elegant style.
He never shared from public debates on what should be the role of the media in the society and especially under a democratic dispensation. In particular he was always quick to draw attention to journalistic excesses.
irector, International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade
Big Fish Out Of Waters – Adesina
I can tell you in popular street lingo that Odunewu was 'fada before fada.' Nigerian journalism just got a very big fish swimming out of its waters. He will be sorely missed, but we shall have good memories of him. He lived well, practiced well, and also died well. May he rest well?
President Nigerian Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina.
Odunewu, The Last of The Best, Says Oso
"He taught many of us to appreciate journalism especially the columnist and the power of the word. He was probably the last of the best of his generation, those who gave Nigerian journalism its enviable & defining character. The Dean, School of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. La? Oso.
His Death, A Great Loss To Journalism - Elumoye
Chairman, Lagos State NUJ, Deji Elumoye said Alhaji Odunewu's death is a great loss not only to journalism profession, but the nation at large. He was a foremost and thoroughbred journalist who rose through the rank from a roving reporter to the pinnacle of the profession. A foremost columnist whose column, 'Allah De' was must read. He was so passionate about journalism profession that he vowed at public forum recently that if he were to come back to this world, he would surely love to be journalist. He would always encourage the up and coming journalists to strive very hard and to practice the profession according to the code of ethics.
Odunewu Was a Scooper Of The Scoop, Akinfeleye
"What a big calamity for the 4th Estate of the Realm in Nigeria, and NMMA. He was an excellent professional a good mentor and a scooper of the scoop! May his soul continue to rest in Perfect peace." Chairman, Mass Communication Department, Unilag and Radio Unilag Rad?o, Prof Ralph Ak?nfeleye.
Allah De... A Guru, Moral Icon, Says Shehu
THE death of Alhaji Alade Odunewu in the Holy month of Ramadan leaves a huge vacuum in the Nigerian media space that is hard to fill. But it is also instructive he lived all his life for the media, a community that revered him and treated him as a guru and a moral icon. He preached ethics and practised journalism ethics as he taught them. He was an example to all in his writings and preachments.
His death is a personal loss to me. From the moment I met him about 20 years ago, he showed an interest in my professional career. He mentored me and without him, my little stride in journalism would have come short of what it is. My relationship with him was like father to a son. He gave me advice whether I asked for it or not.
May Allah forgive all his sins and reward him with Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
Media Aide to the former Vice President Atiku Abubakra and Former President, Nigeria Guild of Editors
Momoh Wishes Him Journey Mercy
When we come, we must go. Only Allah determines the time to go, says Prince Tony Momoh. "I wish him journey mercy over there. We were close since 70s; I was sort of being the right hand man to him. When he was President of Nigeria Guild of Editors, I was the Secretary. When he was Editor-in Chief of Daily Times, and later General Manager Publication Division, I was the editor of the paper. CPC Chairman, Prince Tony Momoh
He Left Indelible Marks - Omisore
I received the death of Alhaji Alade Odunewu, popularly known as Allah De at the ripe age of 85 years with rude shock.
He bequeathed a good legacy and left an indelible mark for those who have chosen the noble profession as members of the fourth Estate of the realm.
His contribution to the journalism profession, which spans over five decades, was phenomenal.
Alhaji Odunewu bestrode the journalism profession like a Collosus; and as thorough bred professional who knows his onions, his steadfastness, dedication and commitment to the pen profession would remain evergreen. Senator Iyiola Omisore
The Guardian
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. His death was a shock to so many people so it would be very painful.