Nigerian Communication Icon, Prof Idowu Sobowale, Is Dead

“This Thursday morning, October 8, 2026, is a very sad day for us,’ family gives details of the last hours of the doyen of mass communication in Nigeria

Nigeria’s communication community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Pa Deacon Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, OON.

NOP NIGERIA reports that the revered scholar and doyen of mass communication in Nigeria died on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2026, at the age of 85.

His death was announced by a member of the family, Dr Akinniyi I. Sowunmi, who described it as a transition to glory.

“This is a very sad day for us in the Communication Community in Nigeria and especially for us at the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals in Nigeria,” the family statement read.

“Our father, Pa Deacon Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, OON, 85, joined the saints triumphant this morning, October 8, 2026.”

The family said details of his funeral rites would be announced soon.

Professor Sobowale was a towering figure in Nigerian journalism, media studies and Christian evangelism, whose career spanned over five decades.

A recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, he mentored generations of journalists, scholars and communication professionals.

He was a founding pillar of the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria and a highly respected voice in ethical journalism and development communication.

His scholarly works, newspaper commentaries and evangelical messages earned him admiration as a thoroughbred academic and a man of faith.

The communication family said further details will be released in due course as tributes continue to pour in for the departed icon.

NOP NIGERIA