Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, a renowned communication scholar, veteran journalist and national honour recipient, has died at the age of 85.
Sobowale died on Thursday according to a statement issued by a family member, Akinniyi Sowunmi.
The statement, titled “Transition to Glory”, described his death as a major loss to Nigeria’s communication and academic community, particularly members of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).
“This is a very sad day for us in the communication community in Nigeria, and especially for us at the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria. Our father, Pa Deacon Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, OON, 85, joined the saints triumphant this morning, October 8, 2026,” the statement said.
Born on January 4, 1941, in Ashipa near Abeokuta, Ogun State, Sobowale began life in a humble background, with his father described as a peasant farmer and petty trader.
He spent his early years working as a farmer and apprentice mechanic before entering formal education at the age of 13 in January 1954.
Sobowale later studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Diploma and BA (Hons) degree. He subsequently earned a PhD in Precision/Scientific Journalism from Syracuse University in the United States in 1978.
His journalism career began at the Daily Times, where the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose gave him his first professional opportunity.
He later joined The Punch, where he became associated with the introduction of opinion polling to Nigerian journalism, contributing to the development of data-driven reporting in the country.
Sobowale also made significant contributions to journalism education and academic development. He joined the University of Lagos as an assistant lecturer in 1975 and rose through the academic ranks.
He was also involved in the establishment and development of Lagos State University, where he served as a Professor of Journalism and Dean.
Beyond journalism and academia, Sobowale served in public office, including as Special Assistant and later Commissioner for Education in Lagos State.
His contributions to journalism, communication education and public service earned him several honours, including the national award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
He was also honoured with the 23rd Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Nigerian media.
Sobowale’s death is expected to be widely felt across Nigeria’s journalism, communication and academic communities, where he was regarded as one of the country’s notable figures in media and communication scholarship.
The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later.
This version gives the story a stronger news-reporting structure: death announcement first, family confirmation and quote, followed by his early life, journalism career, academic contributions, public service and honours.