By Banji Ayoola
Shock and disbelief tore through Ondo State on Sunday as news filtered in that popular broadcaster at Orange FM Radio Station, Akure with fans spread across the nation and even the social media, Mr Steve Sotonwa, Sweet Steve, died in a car crash along the Ondo Akure road.
While formally announcing the passage on Monday, the Management of
Ondo State Radiovision Corporation. OSRC, and Orange 94.5FM, his employer, said: “With deep sense of grief, we announce the sudden and untimely death of Mr. Stephen Sotonwa, a Senior Programme Producer and one of our finest broadcasters in the Ondo state Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) and Orange 94.5Fm.
Mr. Sotonwa’s sad death took place in a fatal motor accident on the Akure-Ondo Road yesterday, Sunday December 22, 2019.
The unfortunate incident has left the entire media group in deep pain and sorrow as it is a monumental loss not just to the family but Ondo state in general.
Sotonwa popularly known as ‘Sweet Steve’ on air was a diligent, efficient and talented officer who gave his best to every assignment committed to his care.
As a corporate entity, we share in the grief of the young family he left behind and pray that the Almighty God grant him eternal rest.”
The statement was signed and issued on Monday December 23 by the stations’ Administrative Secretary, Mr Michael Oshodi,
Ondo State Government also in a statement entitled “Stephen Sotonwa’s Death: Unbelievable, Heart-aching” by the Information and Orientation Commissioner, Mr Donald Ojogo, said: “It is with a deep sense of loss that the Ondo State Government mourns the untimely death of Stephen Sotonwa, Sweet Steve. This is one death unbelievably true; it is heart-aching.
The sad news had rudely crept into our collective innocence, pretending to be untrue but prodded the violent reality that shatters hearts. But the loss of Steve, the youthful icon of his brand is true after all.
We are not just touched. We are hit harder by this unconscienable blow that has ravaged a portion with permanent scares and pains.
Our hearts are with the immediate family, the OSRC Media Group and the entire membership of the NUJ at this moment of shared grief.
The Ministry of Information and Orientation, and indeed the Government of Ondo State mourn this enigma who left an enduring legacy of consistence, hardwork and dedication to duties. But the short period of nurture of these virtues leaves more pains.
We will miss Steve.”
Also reacting in a statement titled: “Sweet Steve’s death, a great loss,” which she signed, wife of the gpvernor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu said: “I am deeply shocked and grieved to hear about the sad demise of Oluwafemi Steve Sotonwa popularly known as “Sweet Steve”.
He was a multifaceted personality, an award winning OAP, MC par excellence and great comedian who brought laughter to many.
Nigeria has lost a talented young man and a great personality.
I send my heart felt condolence to his immediate family. I also commiserate with his colleagues, family and friends.
May the Lord grant him eternal rest.”
Also, the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, on Monday in a statement titled “Ondo NUJ mourns versatile broadcaster, Steve Sotonwa,” and signed by its Secretary, Prince Leke Adegbite, said: “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Ondo State Council joins Media and Entertainment industry in the State to mourn the sudden and unimaginable death of one of the finest Young Broadcasters in the State, STEVE SOTONWA who was a Senior Staff of OSRC/ORANGE FM until his sad demise in a fatal accident.
His untimely transition is a great loss to the entire members of the media industry and the generality of Radio/TV audience in the State and beyond.
Ondo NUJ condoles with Sotonwa’s Family, friends, Staff and Management of the OSRC/Orange FM, praying that the good Lord will comfort all of them.
On behalf of the entire members and the Chairman of NUJ, Adetona Aderoboye, the Pen Professionals’ Union prays that the Almighty God will accept the soul of the departed entertainer and broadcaster, believing that his immense contributions to the media and entertainment industry in the Sunshine State will always be remembered by posterity.”
A fan, Barr Remigius Akinbinu, in a statement titled: “Sweet Steve,” on Tuesday said: “I couldn’t really find sleep last night because thoughts about him occupied my brains.
Yet I was rudely awakened very early because I struggled in that little sleep to cope with the thought that he’s gone
Just like that……
Stephen Sotonwa, a promising, brilliant young man who took the airwaves in the Sunshine State by storm with his oratory, innovations and rare ability to create laughter and liveliness.
He was one chap who attracted thousands of youths in the state and beyond to Orange FM with his regular radio talk program. His uncommon sweet slangs became the common slangs among all youths.
He gave up the ghost after failing to survive a ghastly road accident (yesterday morning?) along Ondo- Akure road. Quite agonizing and pathetic!
Uncle, he called me as he always kept in touch and I was so fond of him as he grew so close.
The last time I saw him was at Living Faith Church and he insisted I must be at his end of year show which I was eventually unable to attend.
A year ago, I remember asking him to be the MC at my late Mom’s funeral party and I had to force him to collect a fee. He was there on time and as usual, lived up to expectations.
Life ,we all know, could be tricky, unfriendly and unpredictable with its transient nature but it has succeeded in throwing too many people in the state into an unexpected but so cruel an agony this yuletide by cutting off in his prime, this Ogun state-born who hit stardom in Ondo state such that he became an adopted son we are so so proud of.
Adieu Sweet Steve, aburo mi daadaa.
For Stephen Sotonwa AKA Sweet Steve, Orange FM presenter and Talk Show host (1984-2019).”
Sweet Steve is currently trending on Twitter as Nigerians mourn and pay tribute to popular Ondo state OAP and comedian.
He was involved in an accident along Ondo road early Sunday morning. He reportedly went into a coma and later passed on.
Sweet Steve who started his broadcasting career over 18 years ago was an experienced broadcaster and presenter of many years who had worked in different radio and television stations across the country.
He joined Orange FM, Akure in 2O12 and worked there till his death.
He had worked with Kwara State Television Authority Ilorin, Hot FM Owerri, Progress FM Ado Ekiti, Star FM Lagos, Midland FM, EKTV, Golden Voice FM and NTA Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State university graduate is also a regular host of one of the most popular comedy shows, ‘Laughter Unplugged.’
