If you were a reader of The Guardian over the past three decades, you would likely have come across the work of Obe Ess—the brilliant and understated cartoonist whose pen wielded both wit and wisdom.
Olaseinde Obe, fondly known by his signature Obe Ess, was the brother of accomplished journalist Taiwo Obe (TO) and nephew of the legendary photographer Peter Obe. With his inimitable strokes, he helped position The Guardian as a leader in editorial cartooning.
“He contributed to making The Guardian a leader in editorial cartooning,” wrote veteran journalist and media manager Lanre Idowu, adding that Obe Ess brought distinction and depth to the newspaper’s visual commentary.
Quiet, brooding, and unassuming, Obe Ess could spend years in a space barely noticed—until his productivity and piercing cartoons began to speak for him. Former editor of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, reacting to the news of his passing, wrote:
“Ha! I just saw this. The good ones are bidding us goodbye. Oga OBE ESS was one of the classic builders of the organic ‘The Guardian’ brand reputation.”
His departure was quietly announced this morning by his brother, Taiwo.
The Obes hail from Igbara-Oke, Ondo State—a family that has contributed immensely to the development of journalism and visual storytelling in Nigeria.
A quiet giant has drawn his final line. May his soul rest in peace.
**Senator Ojudu is a senior journalist and Public affairs analyst
