Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, has described the death of SoniranSowemimo, a former commissioner for information in the state, as shocking.

Sowemimo, a high chief of Egba, died on Friday night at the age of 71.

In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Funmi Wakama, the governor said “he died at a time when his wealth of experience was mostly needed, not just in the pen profession, but in the socioeconomic advancement of Ogun”.

Amosun described the deceased as “a revered media practitioner, community man par excellence and a patriotic citizen”.

“He devoted his life to the service of the state and humanity in general…Chief Sowemimo has certainly left his footprints on the sands of time,” he added.

The governor further prayed for the repose of his soul and also commiserated with theSowemimo family, the people of Ogun and the media community in Nigeria, on the exit of the renowned journalist.

Also, the Ogun State council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, described the demise ofSowemimo as shocking.

The condolence was contained in a statement issued by the council’s chairman, Wole Sokunbi who said that “Sowemimo lived a fruitful life and bequeathed a worthy legacy to the younger generation”.

In the same vein, a member of the state house of representatives, Lanre Odubote, who worked with Sowemimo at Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation, OGBC, Abeokuta, described him as “a team player, teacher and master in the journalism profession”.

“He laid a solid foundation in Ogun as Commissioner for Information; the NUJ and indeed the entire journalism profession will miss this great master,” he said.