The Nation’s editorial board member Omonijo dies at 63

Rev. Mobolade Omonijo, a prominent journalist and member of The Nation Editorial Board, passed away at the age of 63 on October 15, 2026, after a brief illness, according to a statement released by The Diocese of Lagos West. Omonijo, who served as the Vicar of the Church of Pentecost, Dopemu, Lagos, had spent around four decades in journalism before joining The Nation in 2008. He held various positions, including working at The Economist and Vanguard.

The diocese described Omonijo as a "very meek, lovely, conscientious, articulate, assiduous and meticulous" person, possessing "remarkable verbal dexterity". The Administrator of the Diocese requested that the public remember the deceased's family in their prayers and wished for his soul to rest in perfect peace.

Omonijo, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had previously worked at The Economist and Vanguard before joining The Nation. The Nation's Editorial Board Chairman, Sam Omatseye, expressed his grief, describing Omonijo as a "sober and full of life’s humour" individual, who was pious even before becoming a reverend. He emphasized Omonijo's critical perspective and his ability to maintain balance during Editorial Board discussions.

Omonijo was assigned two editorial topics to write about the week before his death, and Omatseye emphasized that the newspaper would never forget him. Funeral details will be announced by the family later.