ABEOKUTA — PALPABLE grief and free flow of tears were the hallmark of yesterday’s interment of the remains of late frontline journalist and former Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
However Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State has described the death of veteran media practitioner Mr. Tunji Oseni as a monumental loss to the journalism profession adding that the deceased symbolised dignity, integrity, selflessness and commitment to the truth that constitutes the essence of journalism profession while alive.
Late Oseni who was also a former Managing Director of Daily Times Plc died Monday night in Lagos following an illness at the age of 61. The burial of Mr. Oseni at his family compound in Itoko attracted prominent Nigerians including former Head of State, Chief Earnest Shonekan, Ogun State Governor, Otunba Olugbenga Daniel, newspaper proprietors and editors.
Traffic came to a standstill as the remains of the late journalist encased in a brown casket arrived the family house at about 3.40 pm drawing tears from indegenes of the area as he was until his death the head of the family.
His remains which was conveyed in an MIC hearse was followed by his wife, Funmilayo and daughters, Ranti and Dolapo in a 504 Station Wagon reg. no. FG 657 A12. The remains was however promptly taken into the family cemetary where it was interred beside his father’s grave at 4.15 pm after Islamic prayers.
Chief Imam of Keesi, Alhaji Lasisi Seriki who led the prayers paid glowing tributes to the late Oseni and enjoined all to do good, noting that a man would be remembered for his deeds after death.
Prominent people at the burial include Vanguard Publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka, former Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Felix Adenaike, former Managing Director of Sketch; Mr. Peter Ajayi, former Managing Director of the Concord; Dr. Doyin Abiola and two former information commissioners in Ogun, Chief Kunle Elegbede and Chief Soniran Sowemimo.
Others include representative of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Eric Teniola, former editor of Sunday Times, Dr. Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Editor of Vanguard; Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Alhaji Kola Animasaun, Mr. Achike Okafor and Mr. Lanre Idowu.
Chief Earnest Shonekan was said to have represented President Olusegun Obasanjo while Asipa of Egbaland, Chief Adio Shonekan represented the Alake of Egbaland.
Governor Daniel in his tribute described the late Oseni as a distinguished old student of the Baptist Boys High School (BBHS) Abeokuta noting that he did a wonderful job as Senior Special Assistant to the President.
Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba in his condolence message to the family described Oseni’s death as "shocking, unbearable and an irreparable loss to the nation".
He said that the late Oseni was a quintessential journalist who contributed immensely to the development of the profession, stressing that he spearheaded the celebration of 100 years of journalism in Nigeria at Abeokuta.
"Oseni fought all his life for the cause of justice and equity, even on his sick bed, he put up a gallant fight against his ailment only to give up at God’s appointed time", Chief Osoba said.
Governor Tinubu in his tribute to late Mr Oseni said; "How can we ever forget Mr Oseni’s memorable tenure as Editor of the Sunday Times between 1976 and 1980 when his courageous column relentlessly spoke truth about power and was a practical manifestation of the credibility and integrity of that newspaper at the time? It was only fitting that having demonstrated such a high degree of excellence in his chosen career, Mr Oseni would go on to become an eminent international ambassador of Nigerian journalism as Editor-in-Chief of OPEC News Agency.
"I join all Nigerian media practitioners in mourning this monumental loss. On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I send my heartfelt condolence to his wife, children and other loved ones. I equally join the government and people of Ogun State in mourning the transition of an eminent son who did them proud in life".
