Legendary cartoonist Obe Ess passes away at 68

Olaseinde Obe, widely celebrated as Obe Ess, has passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of Nigerian cartooning and journalism.

The announcement of his passing was made public on Tuesday through a heartfelt post on X by his brother, Taiwo Obe, the founder of ‘Journalism Clinic’.

Born in 1957, Obe Ess carved a niche for himself over several decades as a pioneering cartoonist at ‘The Guardian’.

His artwork went beyond mere illustrations, it served as a mirror to society, using wit and satire to provoke thought and push for social transformation.

Obe Ess was more than a cartoonist; he was a voice of conscience in turbulent times, using his pen to challenge the status quo and ignite conversations around pressing societal issues.

“Ah! May The Almighty bless his soul and console all his loved ones — in the mighty name of Jesus Christ,” said Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information in Lagos.

“Obe Ess was a damn good cartoonist whose conversational style was captivating, full of repartee and bone cracking humour. He was simple, neat and warm — always. O ma se o. TO, please stay strong.”

Ess, who hails from Igbara-Oke in Ondo state, was a nephew to Peter Obe, the ace photographer.

His brother, Taiwo Obe, is a renowned journalism trainer and founder of the Journalism Clinic.