By Austin Ogwuda
When he was alive, the Publisher of Ika Voice Newspaper, Pa Joe Onyibe who died two days ago at the age of 90 was not known to be controversial, but his death unarguably has sparked controversy within Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Media camp.
Whilst the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Newspapers, Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye issued a condolence message on behalf of the governor which got published including The Townhall, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Sir Festus Ahon also issued another different message entirely on behalf of the governor.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Newspapers, Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye described Onyibe as “a towering figure in grassroots journalism and a true voice of the people of Ika Nation.
“Pa Joseph Onyibe was more than a journalist, he was an institution. Through Ika Voice, he brought to light the concerns, aspirations and stories of our people for decades. His passing is not just a loss to the media world, but to Delta State as a whole.
“May his legacy continue to inspire the next generation of journalists. We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for comfort to his family in this time of grief”, he wrote.
Fewer hours later, the CPS wrote:
“Pa Joe Onyibe who died at 90, was a trailblazer haven used journalism to amplify the voices of his people and advance the cause of good governance and social justice. His death is indeed a monumental loss.
“While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, Governor Oborevwori urged the family, the Ika nation, and the NUJ, Delta State Council to take solace in the remarkable legacy Pa Onyibe left behind.
“He also enjoined younger journalists to emulate the late icon’s commitment to ethical journalism and service to humanity”.
The question now is why the two varying condolence messages? Did the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Newspapers, Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye obtain clearance before his statement knowing fully well that Ahon is the principal mouthpiece of the governor?
Call it controversy, or drama, or oddity!
