By Gbenga Salau
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday mourned renowned Nigerian cartoonist, Olaseinde Obe, popularly known as Obe Ess, who passed on at the age of 68.
His brother and founder of The Journalism Clinic, Taiwo Obe, broke the news via a post on the social media platform X.
Born in 1957, Obe Ess was a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism. For decades, he served as a prominent cartoonist at The Guardian, where his signature illustrations combined wit, satire, and social commentary to powerful effect.
He was widely regarded as a master of the medium, using his pen as a tool for truth and change. Obe Ess hailed from Igbara-Oke in Ondo State and came from a family steeped in media legacy. He was a nephew of the legendary photographer, Peter Obe.
Meanwhile, his former colleagues at The Guardian newspaper have expressed sadness over his passing, describing him as one of the people who made the Flagship tick.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message, described the cartoonist’s death as a great loss to the media industry. According to him, the exit of the renowned cartoonist was heartbreaking, considering his contribution to journalism. He 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. ”
