LAGOS, Nigeria — Olaseinde Obe, the revered Nigerian cartoonist known professionally as Obe Ess, has died at the age of 68.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by his brother, Taiwo Obe, a veteran journalist and founder of the Journalism Clinic, who announced the passing on the social media platform X.
Race. Artfully. Accomplished.
Rest. Well. My Brother. https://t.co/01Nzm3KaEL pic.twitter.com/E9wjYpggxy— Taiwo Obe (@araisokun) April 15, 2025
Born in 1957, Mr Obe was a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism whose work left an indelible mark on the country’s media and cultural landscape.
For decades, he was a leading cartoonist at The Guardian, where his distinct blend of humour, satire, and political insight earned him both national admiration and critical acclaim.
A Pen for the People
Obe Ess’s cartoons were known for their sharp wit and moral clarity, often illuminating the social and political undercurrents of the day.
His minimalist style, conversational tone, and ability to distil complex issues into accessible frames made him a household name among readers and colleagues alike.
“He was a damn good cartoonist whose conversational style was captivating, full of repartee and bone cracking humour,” said Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information.
“He was simple, neat and warm — always. O ma se o. TO, please stay strong.”
A Legacy Rooted in Media Excellence
Hailing from Igbara-Oke in Ondo State, Mr Obe was part of a distinguished media lineage.
He was the nephew of Peter Obe, the legendary Nigerian photojournalist who documented the civil war and other historic moments in Nigeria’s history.
His career spanned decades, during which he became an influential voice in editorial commentary, wielding his pen not only as an artistic tool but as an instrument of public accountability.
Tributes and Reflections
News of his death drew an outpouring of tributes from media professionals, artists, and admirers across Nigeria.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined the list of dignitaries paying tribute to the late cartoonist, describing his death as “heartbreaking” and a profound loss to Nigerian journalism.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile on Tuesday, the governor praised Mr Obe’s extraordinary legacy.
“The death of Olaseinde Obe is a great loss to the media industry and he will be greatly missed,” the statement read.
“He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria, especially using cartoons as illustrations and medium of expression. His landmark achievements in the media industry are unprecedented.”
Colleagues described him as a warm, humble figure with an unshakeable commitment to the truth.
“Ah! May The Almighty bless his soul and console all his loved ones — in the mighty name of Jesus Christ,” Mr Omotoso added in his tribute.
I am just reading the news of the demise of ace cartoonist, "Obe Ess," the brother of my true friend, Taiwo Obe. Nigeria doesn't have a better political cartoonist. His strokes were inspiring to all who saw them. His loss will be felt across media and political fields. We join…
— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) April 14, 2025
Mr Obe’s work continues to inspire a new generation of cartoonists and visual storytellers who see satire not merely as art, but as a form of resistance and a call to conscience.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
