CITIZENS COMPASS— Former Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapter, Dr Qasim Akinreti, will tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, lead a delegation to the burial of a veteran journalist and of the Union, David Gbemisola Adekunle popularly known as Rector.
Adekunle died on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Until his sudden death, the indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, was a staff of Voice of Nigeria (VON).
This is just as condolences messages have been pouring in.
In his condolence message, Austeen Elewodalu, Former Director News, Voice of Nigeria, described Adekunle as “a master of the craft and soul of light,”
According to him: It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss that I write these words for David Adekunle.
We first crossed paths in 2013, when David joined the Voice of Nigeria. I was serving as the Director of News at the time, and from the moment he assumed duty as a Reporter, it was clear that we hadn’t just hired another staff member—we had gained a powerhouse.
A natural in the newsroom
David was a rare find in the world of journalism. Recognizing his innate talent, I assigned him to the Reportorial Desk, where he took on various beats with a level of professionalism that far exceeded his years.
He was the editor’s dream. David possessed that elusive “golden touch”—he would turn in reports for our broadcast and digital platforms with amazing speed, yet they required little to no editing. He understood the urgency of the 24-hour news cycle but never sacrificed the integrity or the “soul” of a story for the sake of a deadline.
Beyond the byline
To know David was to know a man of many parts. He wasn’t just a journalist; he was a force of nature.
The colleague: You simply could not have a dull moment with him. He brought an infectious energy into the newsroom that lifted everyone’s spirits.
The connector: David was a master at the art of friendship. He didn’t just meet people; he courted and kept them, building a vast network of loyal friends through his genuine warmth.
The advocate: His commitment to the craft extended to his active role in the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and his passion as a political activist, always striving for a better society.
The family man: Above all, David was a remarkable family man who spoke of his loved ones with deep devotion.
An untimely departure
Since my retirement from VON about two years ago, David and I spoke on the phone quite often, the last being two weeks to his demise. He sent me a new year’s message and prayer on the first day of January this year, just three days before his death. I didn’t know that was his own way of saying goodbye.
David died in his prime—at a peak where his potential was still unfolding and his contributions were most vital. He has left us at a time when his young family, his friends, and his colleagues needed his wisdom, his laughter, and his brilliance the most.
While his time with us was far too short, the legacy David leaves behind at the Voice of Nigeria and within the Nigerian media landscape (particularly in Lagos State) is indelible. He was a protégé who became a peer, and a colleague who became a brother.
Rest in peace, David. May the Lord comfort your family. Your voice may be silent, but your stories will live on.
Comrade Odunlayi, former Secretary, NUJ Oyo State Council in his condolence message described Adekunle as a fastidious, humble,loyal, and dedicated professional :
Again, another reliable and one of the staunch supporters of the progressive movement in the NUJ has gone.
Devastating and hitting beyond the marrow.
I will always remember his visit to my house in Ibadan in the company of Dr. Qazim Akinreti, Lagos NUJ Council led executive.
A fastidious ,humble,loyal, and dedicated professional
Aljanat fridaos to the departed amiable fellow Comrade.
Joining the league of the media professionals to pour condolences messages was Bose Adelaja, Publisher, Citizens Compass who in her condolence message said Adekunle’s impact and contributions to the growth of Lagos NUJ would be missed.
In the message titled, “It’s hard to say goodbye”, she wrote:
My dear brother, Honourable David Adekunle (Rector),
I never knew that our telephone conversation on Saturday, December 27, 2025 would be the last one.
I never thought that you were rounding off your assignment and were preparing to meet your creator.
Your impact and contributions to the growth of Lagos NUJ will be missed.
Honourable, though your earthly sojourn was short but was impactful.
May Almighty God give your family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Adieu my dear brother.
Adieu my comrade.
Continue to rest in the bossom of your creator.
Burial arrangement
The burial activities according to Adekunle’s family stated that he would be interred tomorrow.
Service of Songs was held on Monday at No 5, Lawal Close, Abule-Taylor, U-Turn bus-stop, Abule-Egba, Lagos, at 4p m. while interment holds tomorrow, at Christian Cemetery, Near Police ICT, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State, at 10a.m
Citizens Compass reports that Adekunle’s body would depart Aro, by Neuro Psychiatric Hospital as a motorcade moves to Kuto for a brief stop before proceeding to the cemetery. The dress code is White.
