•Distinguished editor, columnist, writer
Lewis Obi did not belong to the tribe of glamour editors the nation has known. He was not a man of sartorial charisma or highflying rhetoric or commanding presence. But he was no less a professional virtuoso.
He died at 77 not in the days of his prime. But the story of Nigerian journalism cannot be written without the contribution of Obi, as feature writer, columnist and editor. He is best known and appreciated as both editor and columnist.
He was the founding editor of ‘The African Concord’ magazine, one of the publications of the Concord Group owned by Chief Moshood Abiola, the billionaire and philanthropist, and adjudged winner of the 1993 presidential election.
The magazine, for its first few years, was not distinguished. An editor cannot function without a great vision and stellar journalists to pursue his quest. He did exactly that. He embarked on perhaps one of the most consequential drives for talent. He brought together a collection of young men who were bubbling with gusto for the trade, some of them had their first journalism jobs under him.
They included Kunle Solaja, Ohi Alegbe, Babafemi Ojudu, Femi Macaulay, Kunle Ajibade, Dele Momodu, Seye Kehinde, Sam Omatseye, Dapo Olorunyomi. His deputy editor was Bayo Onanuga. Other competent people within the Concord stable included Okey Ifionu and Victor Omuabor. Obi turned into a one-man clearing house of talents.
The magazine suddenly improved in style, voice and investigative content. It became, under Obi, a publication of influence and an unlikely source of irritation for the military junta of General Ibrahim Babangida. The military was in the throes of its transition programme that ultimately exploded in the June 12 imbroglio. But the magazine tracked the personalities, laws, hypocrisies, rigmarole and serpentine decoys.
The new crop of writers, under Obi, blossomed because he was not a suffocating boss. Rather, individual voices were allowed to sway and play, and that showed in about a year after all the stars assembled in one newsroom. ‘African Concord’ became the top selling magazine in the country and the most influential.
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Onanuga became the editor and Obi was made editor-in-chief. The magazine was not only an audacious political content, but in every area, including the arts and books. Obi’s style allowed free debate, and the atmosphere he nurtured fertilised ideas readers enjoyed.
As a columnist, his style was simple, elegant and accessible, but he did not write with angry metaphors or epithet. His subtlety packed a punch and his insight stood its poise against any writer in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, leading up to the June 12 saga.
The magazine became too defiant to the junta and it was shut down. That ended the song of one of Nigeria’s great publications because it saw the exit and exodus of its glorious talents.
All the names who grew under him were never bullied or pampered, but they retain a quiet gratitude for a man who shied away from public spotlight.
He also belonged to a generation of journalists who did not have to use the gizmos and gadgets of today, and worked the way a yeoman does. He was also one of those who had to flee the country in the days of persecution under General Abacha.
Obi graduated in mass communication from the University of Lagos, and was one of the top students. Obi always credited working under the great Dele Giwa as a valuable part of his career.
He grew, of course, into his own as one who did not need to be called an icon to be one.
