Former Managing Director of The Guardian, Mr Lade Bonuola standing by his 80th birthday cake at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on October 22, 2026
The Orangun Oke+Ila Orangun, Aleyeluwa Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 1, has described a former Managing Director of The Guardian, Mr Lade Bonuola as a journalist’s journalist, the first among equals, lover of humanity, and friend of the oppressed.
In a tribute titled “My tribute to a great man’,which he signed, he wrote:
“Even in my absence, I cannot be silent about this colossus we celebrate.
Mr. Lade Bonuola used his talents for the good of mankind.
He is a journalist’s journalist – the first among equals. A lover of humanity. A friend of the oppressed.
We adequately interfaced during the darkest and finest hours of our nation – our pro-democracy days against the military regime of General Babangida, the Interim Government of Chief Ernest Shonekan and the brutal regime of General Sani Abacha.
Ladbone was not a bystander. His pen was our sword. His courage was our shield. While many chose silence, he chose truth.
At 80, we do not just celebrate age; we celebrate a life that mattered. A life that spoke for the voiceless. A life that reminds all of us in public space today that journalism must have a conscience.
I salute you, Egbon Lade Bonuola. May your legacy continue to inspire.
Happy 80th Birthday, our dear Ladbone!
Thank you for your understanding.”
Apologizing for his absence at the Birthday celebration in Lagos on October 22, the royal father said in “My sincere apologies”:
“_O dun mi pupo! I am pained!!_
I had looked forward with all my heart to being with you for this all-important event to celebrate our great Ladbone at 80, an event so dear to my heart.
I am deeply sorry for my absence. My heart will be with you all, even though my feet cannot be there. Please proceed with the event with my full blessings and support. I have no doubt it will be a great success.”
