Amosun writes Kola Animasaun family, says death of Journalism Doyen loss of one Nigeria’s best in critical period

Forty-eight days after departure to journey of no return on 30 May 2019 of a Nigeria’s Journalism Icon, Alhaji Kola Muslim Animasaun, tears is yet to stop rolling and encomiums have refused to stop pouring.

Explaining why it is so, some Respondents said it was the best way to identify a man or woman who came to live a life of purpose and whose good work in life was now being attested to, by Allah.

This was as immediate past Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described death of the late former Chairman Editorial Board of Vanguard Newspapers as great loss to Nigeria.

Amosun, who has returned to the Senate where he currently represents Ogun Central, made the description in a letter dated June 18 but which was obtained by The DEFENDER on Thursday July 18, 2019, said the loss of Animasaun was painful especially at this time that it happened in the critical state of Nigeria when his useful advice was more required.

In the letter addressed to the matriarch of the family, Alhaja Animasaun, Senator Amosun appeared to be writing on behalf of many people.

“I convey our sincere and deepest condolences to you and the entire Animasaun family on the death of your husband, Alhaji Kola Animasaun, on Thursday 30 May 2019 at the age of 80 years,” he introduced the letter.

The former governor then said: “Baba’s exit at this period in our nation is a loss of one of our finest and brightest citizens.

“It is an indisputable fact that Alhaji Animasaun was an accomplished Journalist and columnist, whose career was characterised by dignity, candour and Excellence. Certainly, the journalism profession has lost a doyen.

“Painful as his death is, I urge you to give thanks to the Almighty Allah (swt) for his fulfilled life and enviable legacies he left behind.

“It is my prayer that Allah (swt) will forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give you all members of the Animasaun family, the fortitude and strength to bear the irreparable loss,” Amosun, who was at Umrah in Saudi Arabia when the death occurred, wrote in the letter to the Kola Animasaun family, which was personally signed by him.