*Late Chief Ademola Adetula
Veteran journalist and community leader, Chief Ademola Adetula, has died at the age of 73. Adetula, who held the traditional title of the Sasere of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State, died on Thursday, July 30, 2026, five days before his 74th birthday.
Adetula was a prominent student activist and served as President of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Students’ Union during the 1984/85 academic session. He began his professional journalism career in 1978 with The Herald newspapers in Ilorin, where he rose through the ranks to become News Editor.
In 1987, he became News Editor of the now-defunct Republic newspaper. He later moved into senior management, serving as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope newspapers, where he made significant contributions to journalism and newspaper publishing.
Beyond his journalism career, Adetula played an active role in the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He served as a National Trustee of the union and later as Vice President, Zone D, contributing to the development and advancement of the journalism profession.
He also held several important public and community positions, including Chairman of the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation, from which he recently served as immediate past chairman. His contributions to public service and journalism earned him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Chief Adetula was also deeply involved in the development of Owo and its people. He served as President of the All Owo Progressive Forum and remained active in community affairs until his death. The family is yet to announce details of his funeral programme.
