By Maryanne Awuya
Renowned communication scholar and veteran journalist, Prof. Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, OON, has died at the age of 85.
Sobowale died on Thursday morning, October 8, 2026, according to a statement issued by a member of his family, Dr Akinniyi I. Sowunmi.
In the statement titled “Transition to Glory,” Sowunmi described the death as a sad development for Nigeria’s communication community, particularly members of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals in Nigeria.
“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,” it said.
“Our father, Pa Deacon Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, OON, 85, joined the saints triumphant this morning, October 8, 2026.”
The family said arrangements for his funeral would be announced later.
Sobowale was widely respected for his contributions to communication scholarship, journalism and the development of the media profession in Nigeria.
Fondly known as “ID Noble” by colleagues, he had a distinguished journalism career with the old Daily Times, where he served as a war correspondent, editor of the Evening Times and assistant editor.
He later ventured into academia, earning a PhD from Syracuse University and teaching at the University of Lagos.
Sobowale was also credited with introducing scientific opinion polling to Nigerian journalism through The Punch newspaper.
He was a pioneer professor and Dean who helped establish the journalism programme at Lagos State University (LASU), and later contributed his expertise to Covenant University.
Beyond journalism and academia, Sobowale served in public office as Special Adviser on Education and later as Commissioner for Education in Lagos State.
His death marks the loss of one of Nigeria’s respected voices in journalism, communication scholarship and media education.
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