Femi Mimiko, a Professor of Political Science at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife has joined other Nigerians to mourn the passage of late Ondo-born Journalist, Bode Betiku.
Betiku died at 69 on Saturday morning during a brief illness.
A former Chairman of Owena Press, publishers of Hope newspaper, Betiku was the author of the book – The Old Shoe. He was also a former president of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ondo State Chapter.
In a message of tribute to the late journalist, posted on his Facebook profile on Sunday, Prof. Mimiko who repeatedly referred to Betiku as ‘bra’, recounted that Mr Betiku was involved, through the defunct “Compass Mail,” which he edited, with the struggle to revalidate the mandate of former Governor, Olusegun Mimiko.
Below is the unedited tribute:
Bode Betiku
Bra Bode Betiku was the quintessential journalist – analytical, bold, had courage of his conviction, and was socially committed. He was such a compelling writer – good prose, flawless English, and incisive content. He was a leader in the struggle for the revalidation of Dr Olusegun Mimiko’s governorship mandate in Ondo State – at the media end – from 2007-2009, using mainly the instrumentality of “Compass Mail,” an underground weekly tabloid, which he edited and published. It was an assignment his long years at “The Guardian” had very well prepared him for.
Unrelenting in his interpersonal relationships, but the “Hammer Head” was completely dedicated to good causes and family. Sleep on, good Bros, in the bosom of your creator; as we beseech the good Lord to grant the family and associates of our indomitable Bra Bode, the fortitude to bear this loss.
@FemiMimiko.
Study @ Achievers University
