The Action Congress of Nigeria on Saturday mourned late Alhaji Alade Odunewu, saying he will forever be a shining star of the journalism profession.
In a statement issued in Lagos by the National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Mr. Lai Mohammed, the party described Odunewu as a strong moral icon.
''While we are deeply saddened by the exit of this journalism great, we take consolation in the fact that he left behind an everlasting legacy, thanks to his strength of character and patriotism, which many have attested to, his decency and commitment to higher values, his uncommon professionalism in his chosen career and, above all, his humanity.
''We believe these rare attributes, which only a few can lay claim to in these times, will also be a source of pride to his family, as they seek to come to terms with their huge loss,'' it read in part.
ACN said the best tribute that can be paid to the memory of the Odunewu was for media practitioners to ensure that they are always guided by the highest tenets of their profession.
The party said it was particularly delighted that Odunewu bequeathed to generations yet unborn a great moral compass in his book 'Winners Take All,' a collection of his timeless writings in his popular 'Allah De' newspaper column.
It prayed that God will grant the departed eternal rest and also strengthen his family so they can bear their loss with fortitude.
Similarly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors on Friday expressed sadness over the death of the veteran journalist.
Odunewu, 85, a former editor of the Daily Times, died on Thursday at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The NGE said in a statement in Lagos that the death robbed the NGE and Nigerian journalism in general of Odunewu's wisdom, knowledge, wealth of invaluable experience and fatherly advice.
"It is noteworthy that Odunewu was instrumental in the founding, nurturing and sustenance of the Guild, which today, has metamorphosed into a strong voice on national issues.
"He also played a key role as the ombudsman of the Nigerian Press Council until he died on Thursday night," it said.
The NGE also expressed regrets over the passing away of another veteran journalist, Herbert Unegbu, fondly called Unu Habib, who edited the West African Pilot founded by the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Also, the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists said the death of Odunewu was a colossal loss to the media industry.
The council Chairman, Mr. Deji Elumoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria on the telephone that the demise of Odunewu would create a vacuum in Nigeria's media industry.
"He has been a father, advising the NUJ on how to ensure professionalism in the media industry.
"He was consistent and passionate about journalism, and practised the profession for four or five decades without deviating into politics or any other thing. NUJ will greatly miss him," Elumoye said.
The Punch