The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has said Nigeria and the world of ideas have, in the passing of a renowned newspaper proprietor and Chairman of the Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin, lost not only an institution builder, social reformer, but also a most insightful media guru of the century.
In his tribute, Alaafin noted that no nation can progress without building
an intellectual community, the media practitioners, who have the duty to
educate, inform, enlighten, as well interprete the past of the nation so
that the future can be built on firmer grounds.
Describing Aboderin as a “detribalised, man of rectitude, disciplined,
highly principled, firm and lover of peace who held public trust
sacrosanct’’.
Alaafin noted that late Aboderin during his lifetime ensured that the media
remains conscience of the country that provides a pathway for the
achievement of good governance.
‘’ He [Aboderin] was of the conviction that the media have a role to play
as catalyst in national development. Knowledge means power, the better
informed you are, the greater your chances of success. The goal of all
development is man and the enhancement of his potential to function in
dignity, health and peace as a social component in a country.’’
The royal father also pointed out that late Aboderin contributed to how the
private press in the country were aiming to match international standards
of quality of production.
While commiserating with the deceased family, management and staff of the Punch Nigeria Limited, Oba Adeyemi prayed Allah to grant late Aboderin eternal rest.
















