By Edwin Nwachukwu
Tears, deep emotions, and palpable grief filled the atmosphere as family members, friends, colleagues, and associates gathered to bid farewell to Comrade Akinola Micheal Ariyo, fondly known as “Aribobo,” as he journeyed to the great beyond.
His final rites were held at his residence, Noo. 10, Kosenitolorunosefun Street, Iloye, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, spanning two days—December 18 and December 19, 2025—with tributes pouring in from far and near in honour of a life defined by service, humility, and professional excellence.
Comrade Akinola Micheal Ariyo passed on December 3, 2025, after a brief illness at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, in the Oyigbo area of Lagos State.
Born on February 2, 1956, at Makanjuola’s Compound, he was the son of the late Chief Micheal Ariyo Makanjuola and the late Mrs. Ruth Adetoun Ariyo Makanjuola, natives of Ido-Ile Town, Ekiti West Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Aribobo distinguished himself as a seasoned photojournalist with the New Nigerian Newspaper, where his camera lens faithfully captured the heartbeat of the nation—moments of triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow, and the everyday resilience of the Nigerian people. His work spoke quietly yet powerfully, preserving history with honesty, depth, and humanity.
He was an active and respected member of the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), contributing his wealth of experience, professionalism, and integrity to the growth and ethical standards of the profession.
A proud son of Ido-Ile, Comrade Ariyo was also a cherished member of the Ido Mighty Club, Ido-Ile, where his transparent, accommodating, and loving disposition endeared him to peers and contemporaries alike, making him a dependable pillar within the group.
Beyond the newsroom and the camera, Aribobo served with honour and distinction in the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) as an Internal Auditor and Financial Secretary. In these roles, he managed union finances with rare diligence, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to accountability and integrity—qualities that earned him lasting respect and trust.
Above all, Comrade Akinola Micheal Ariyo was a man of profound humility and simplicity. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and quiet strength left lasting impressions on colleagues, friends, and even strangers. A prolific photojournalist, a steadfast unionist, a loyal compatriot, and a natural mobiliser, he believed deeply in collective leadership and held firmly to the conviction that every voice matters.
His personality was a blend of kindness, joviality, and bubbling generosity. He stood firmly for truth, often breaking into a grin and saying, “I like that,” whenever something resonated with his values. That simple phrase became a gentle reminder to those around him to appreciate what is good and right.
In his personal world, Akinola filled his days with passions that reflected his big heart. He kept a journal, scribbling reflections and stories that later became treasured memories for his children. He also tended a small farm at home, finding peace in the soil, livestock, and pets—watching seedlings grow just as he watched generations grow.
Friendship mattered deeply to him. Evenings spent with close friends—sharing meals, stories, and laughter—were moments he truly cherished.
To his wife, Caroline, Akinola was a loving husband, and to his children, a devoted and responsible father. She describes him as a selfless man with a heart of gold, adding: “Omo ogboni modu lore mere ni akun, omo asawewe owo na. Sun’re oo. Odi’gba.”
His son, Olawale, paid a moving tribute, saying: “Daddy mi, you were a truly exceptional individual—a rare gem who embodied bravery, wisdom, and compassion. Your extraordinary ability to love and include everyone, coupled with your remarkable people skills, is a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. You lived a life of honour, service, and humility, leaving an indelible mark on our lives. I love you and respect you so much, Ariyo Osu Benton. Sun’re o.”
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) also paid glowing tribute to the late Comrade Ariyo, describing him as a consummate professional, disciplined unionist, and a symbol of integrity within the journalism profession.
Dr (Mrs) Abimbola Oyetunde, National Deputy President of NUJ, said that the union noted that Aribobo’s tenure as Internal Auditor and Financial Secretary was marked by prudence, transparency, and an uncommon sense of responsibility.
She added that his contributions strengthened internal accountability and deepened trust among members, adding that his calm disposition, wisdom, and selfless service would be greatly missed across the union nationwide.
Though Aribobo has laid down his camera and answered the final call, his legacy lives on—in the images he captured, the institutions he strengthened, the people he inspired, and the values he embodied.
- Sleep well, Aribobo. Your light endures.
Members of union present at the burial include, Mr Samuel Dada, National Financial Secretary of NUJ; Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, NUJ, Lagos Council; Mr Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary, NUJ Lagos Council; Mrs Alaba Igbaroola, Ex-Officio, NUJ Lagos Council; Mrs Olufunke Fadugba Former Chairman, NUJ Lagos Council.
Others are Mrs Abiola Beckley, Former Vice Chairman, NUJ Lagos Council; Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, a Leader in NUJ; Mr Biodun Akinbusuyi, Former Secretary, NUJ Lagos Council; Mr Alfred Odifa, Former Secretary, NUJ Lagos Council; Mr Ben Nwaru, Former Ex- Officio, NUJ Lagos Council; Mr Isaac Ayodele, a Former Auditor, NUJ Lagos Council; Mr Gbenga Fatile, an Elder of NUJ; Mr Ayo Ojedokun, an Elder of NUJ; Otunba Kola Olasupo, SA Photo to Lagos State Governor
