Amid commendations and glowing tributes, veteran Nigerian journalist and columnist, Alhaji Alade Odunewu, was laid to rest in Lagos on Friday.
At the Victoria Garden and Vaults, Ikoyi, where he was buried, friends and family members paid the doyen of journalism their last respects.
Odunewu died on Thursday at 85 years, after battling with a sickness said to be associated with old age.
The first son of the deceased, Akanni Odunewu, a businessman, was too distraught to speak with newsmen at the graveside.
He, however, told Saturday PUNCH that he would miss everything about his father, whom he said was also a friend and confidant.
He said, “I will miss everything, everything about him. I will also not forget the last words he said to me shortly before he died. He said, ‘I love you’”
Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, said he received the news of Odunewu’s death with an “unpleasant surprise.”
He added that Nigeria should be grateful to God for the life of Odunewu, whom he described as a frontline and professional journalist.
He said, “It came to me as an unpleasant surprise, but we need to thank God for the services he was able to render to the journalism profession. He was a frontline journalist. He made a very great impression and contributed immensely to the profession.
“He was with me in the founding and growth of our professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Nigeria Press Organisation and Newspaper Proprietors’ Association.”
He said the new generation of journalists should learn commitment, integrity, proud appreciation of journalism and uncompromising commitment to the integrity of the profession from Odunewu.
Former veteran journalist and ex-Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, described Odunewu as an amiable editor and first class columnist.
He said, “I was his very close friend. We still spoke about a month to his death when he was sharing with me how one of his children was made a judge.
“He was a good journalist and first class columnist. As an editor, he was introverted and quiet, amiable and a good boss to all of us.”
Mr. Vincent Maduka, who succeeded Odunewu as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Media Merit Award in January, said the deceased would be sorely missed because of his contributions to excellent media practice.
He said, “He made his impact as a great social commentator. He was also a man of few words. He had an aura, dignity and respect that even if he didn’t say anything, his presence said it all and you can take a cue from that.”
At the interment, the Chief Missioner of Ansarudeen, Sheik Ahmed Awwal, told people at the gathering to lead a life that people would always remember.
He said, “It is not important that one is born, or dies. What matters are the memories and legacies we leave behind.
“I used to read his incisive column. The kind that is disappearing now. He was very fearless but fair. He was critical and analytical.
“He lived his life the best way he could. And we all must leave good and lasting legacies. And the question to ask yourself is: will there be anyone to speak good things about you?”
