Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the death of former cartoonist with The Guardian, Mr. Olaseinde Obe (fondly known by his signature, Obe Ess) as a great loss to the media industry.
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, the governor said that the exit of the renowned cartoonist was heartbreaking, considering his contribution to journalism.
Sanwo-Olu said: ‘The death of Olaseinde Obe is a great loss to the media industry and he will be greatly missed. He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria, especially using cartoons as illustrations and medium of expression. His landmark achievements in the media industry are unprecedented.
‘I sympathise with the deceased family, friends, associates, The Guardian media team and entire media practitioners in Nigeria. I pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of Obe Ess.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information Commissioner, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso described Obe Ess as a deep thinker who used his works to contribute to the society.
Omotoso wrote: ‘Ah! May the Almighty bless his soul and console all his loved ones – in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
‘Obe Ess was a damn good cartoonist whose conversational style was captivating, full of repartee and bone cracking humour. He was simple, neat and warm – always. O ma se o. TO, (Taiwo Obe, his younger brother) please stay strong’.
Former presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu said: ‘Nigeria doesn’t have a better political cartoonist. His strokes were inspiring to all who saw them. His loss will be felt across media and political fields. We join Taiwo Obe and their families in mourning this great loss’.
Obe Ess, who spent several decades at The Guardian newspapers, was a major cartoonist who used his works to make commentaries on issues of politics, economy and the society at large. His works are published regularly on the newspaper’s website.
Obe-Ess retired into private practice producing cartoons for interested publications.
