Nigeria’s media sector got a jolt yesterday with the demise of ace journalist, consummate columnist and former chief press secretary to the military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Duro Onabule, fondly called ‘Double Chief,’

The frontline veteran journalist and former editor of the National Concord between 1984 and 1985, died on Tuesday evening,  according to family sources, at the age of 83.

His death has sparked a wave of encomium and tributes.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, condoled with the former military leader, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and Nigerian Guild of Editors over the loss.

He noted the commendable contributions of the respected journalist to the development of Nigeria. He particularly lauded him for his role in stimulating robust debates with insightful articles while working variously as Editor of National Concord and Chairman, Board of Directors of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Buhari prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of the departed and comfort his family.

•I’ve lost an elder brother -IBB

Gen. Babangida, who clocked 81 yesterday, in a condolence message he personally signed said it was a sad irony that Chief Onabule, who was usually amongst the first to celebrate his birthday, died on the eve of his anniversary. He said his passing would no doubt cast a long shadow over the festivities.

He said: “This morning’s news of the passing on of Chief Duro Onabule came to me as a rude shock. It was a bad birthday gift for me this year; my 81st year on Mother Earth. I didn’t believe the news until I compared notes with a few of my friends who confirmed the sad news. I am downcast wondering why my “triple Chief” didn’t give me a chance to say, goodbye. Nigeria has lost a colossus, a wordsmith, a walking encyclopaedia, a reservoir of knowledge and a rich chronicler of history, whose world view is defined by sheer intellect, content and character. Nigeria has lost Chief Duro Onabule. He was an epitome of what the Yorubas would refer to as “Omoluabi”, due to his spartan lifestyle, discipline, knack for excellence, uncommon patriotism and remarkable and unalloyed loyalty to friends, associates, colleagues and fellow professionals. He was not just my Adviser-in-Chief, he was one of our brain boxes, in and out of office.

Triple Chief, as I fondly called him, had a rich sense of recall of historical dates, remarkable events and notable landmarks, each time he needed to reflect on our trajectory. Aside from being a resourceful writer, who maintained a very didactic column in Daily Sun newspaper till date, Chief Duro was always a delight each time we had to engage in intellectual discourse face to face. His sense of humor was profound. His communication skills were distinctive. His ability to dissect and interrogate issues was second to none. He has historical dates at the tip of his fingers. As an avid reader of his weekly column, I learnt so much about subject matters that also helped me to assail my understanding of Nigeria’s complexities. While in government, Duro was the first to reach me daily to discuss reports and happenings in the country. He was a Chief Press Secretary par excellence He was exemplary. He was punctual and adopted the military way of doing things; especially time management. His rich experience during our time in government helped in no small measure in our decision making processes . He was a nationalist par excellence. He was a dear friend.

“His death has surely left a huge vacuum to fill. A quintessential, urbane, patriotic and refined mind whose loyalty was never in doubt. Tripe Chief would be sorely missed. In and out of government, he was part of my larger family, who understood the rationale behind most of the decisions we took in government. A diligent Nigerian with an upbringing that is worthy of emulation. It is a sad day for me; Nature, in her all knowing way, has just dealt me a blow with this sullen birthday pill. Even when we all know it is a destination we are all headed, it hurts to lose such a close friend, with whom I have shared several decades of robust relationship. I will miss him dearly.

•Fayemi, Abiodun mourn

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi described Onabule’s death as exit of a great Nigerian who was passionate about the Nigerian nation as well as the journalism profession.

He added that Onabule’s death is a great loss to the upcoming generation of journalists who could have learnt a lot from him.

“Chief Duro Onabule was a great and patriotic Nigerian who rose to national prominence through his journalistic work as a celebrated Editor of the now rested National Concord and later as CPS to ex- President Ibrahim Babaginda.

“Chief Onabule as a journalist and public affairs commentator spoke truth to power through his illuminating writings,” Fayemi said.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Onabule as one of the finest experts of the pen profession, saying that the nation would not forget his role as the mouthpiece of the military government of Babangida.

He said that the former editor of the defunct Concord Newspaper would be remembered and missed for his profound comments on national issues, via his column in The Sun Newspaper.

While declaring that the state would always remember the fecundity of Onabule’s pen, the governor commiserated with his immediate family, Ijebu-Ode and the entire state.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the former journalism guru.

•He made journalism proud –The Sun

In a tribute, The Sun management said this about Onabule: “He was an iconic journalist, great editor and consummate columnist who analysed and treated national issues professionally, intelligently and fearlessly.

“Onabule made journalism proud, serving meritorious as an editor and proving his mettle as an image manager when he was the Chief Press Secretary to military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.

“He will be missed by journalism. He will be missed by readers who follow his weekly offerings in his Friday column.

“Talking about his column, Onabule was a writer deep in knowledge and history, a columnist who understood the diversity of Nigeria and the role each founding father of the nation played in the evolution of Nigeria. He wrote frankly and with candor. He spared no one who deserved condemnation. Onabule’s death is a big loss to us at The Sun and the nation.”