By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
PA JOLA Ogunlusi, a respected journalist and lifelong advocate for justice, has died at the age of 91, following a brief illness.
Widely known as Papa Jola, the revered patriarch passed away peacefully at 9:54am on Saturday, 19 April 2025, leaving behind a legacy deeply woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s media and civic development landscape.
The Ogunlusi family confirmed his passing in a statement e-signed by family representative Gbenga Aruleba, also a senior broadcast journalist.
From the vibrant newsroom corridors of the 1970s to the frontline of Nigeria’s media advocacy, Mr Ogunlusi’s public life was marked by exceptional integrity and service.
He once held the pivotal role of National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where his voice resonated for equity, justice and fairness in journalism and public affairs.
Colleagues and community members remember him as a kind and unwavering pillar whose actions consistently reflected sincerity and depth of character.
His sense of duty extended well beyond professional boundaries into community service, earning him profound respect in civic circles.
As President of the FESTAC Town Residents Association, Mr Ogunlusi played a critical role—alongside other advocates—in the establishment of the Amuwo Odofin Local Council Development Area.
His leadership further expanded through his chairmanship of the Community Development Council in Amuwo Odofin, where his hands-on commitment to community advancement remained steadfast.
Family members describe him as a loving father, grandfather and uncle—affectionate, generous, and wise. His influence, they say, stretches far beyond their immediate circle, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
His values of compassion, humility and service remain imprinted in the hearts of all who knew him.
As the family begins to arrange funeral plans, they have called for continued privacy with prayers, condolences and support during this period of mourning.
Just last year October 2024, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the media world, celebrated the industry icon, the now late Pa Jola Ogunlusi to his 90 years old birthday.
The old professional, relieving the day, urged young journalists to embrace the profession as a means of broadening their experience and making meaningful connections.
Eyaa!!! Papa has tried o, a real veteran has gone home.
Your memories are no doubt very beautiful as a journalist, always speaking out for journalists’ well-being and speaking truth to power.
As a community leader, you also tried your best to save Festac Town from the squalor and shanty town that it later became. You vehemently protested all that you could against the Federal Housing Authority’s (FHA) indiscriminate sale of the recreational spaces in FESTAC Town to banks and eateries which eventually ruined the beautiful architectural masterpiece modern mini city FESTAC was designed to be.
May your soul continue to rest in perfect peace in the bosom of your maker sir and may Nigeria produce true professional and patriots like you again, amen. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿