Media professionals, yesterday, paid tributes to late Prof. Lai Oso of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, Lagos State University (LASU).The 67-year-old don died in a car accident at the weekend, while returning from Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, where he had served as an external examiner at the Department of Mass Communication.

Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umaru Pate, said: “It is a painful and sad reality that we have to accept that our brother, mentor, colleague and leader, Prof. Lai Oso, has died in a ghastly road accident. Let’s take heart, as we try to adjust to the reality of the permanent physical absence of our highly respected intellectual giant, Prof. Oso. It is a collective loss of immense proportion. Please, I enjoin us to take heart and await additional details from the family and LASU, Adieu brother, Prof. Oso.”

Similarly, former chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council, Quassim Akinreti mourned: “What a loss to the academia. Very humble and progressive mind is gone. He always encouraged me to retire to the academia. My condolences to all.”

The departed was erstwhile president of Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).

Also, the chapter registered its condolences. In a statement yesterday in Nigeria’s economic capital, signed by the chairman and secretary, Adeleye Ajayi and Tunde Olalere, Lagos NUJ described Oso’s passing as shocking and devastating.

The body said: “The news of death of Prof. Oso in a motor accident while returning from Abraka, Delta State on Saturday, was very devastating.

“Prof. Oso will be remembered for his good student-teacher relations and humble behaviour. He was always ready to assist his students and colleagues.

“His death remains a big blow, not only in the communications circle, but also in all academic spheres. May the soul of our dear lecturer, friend and mentor rest in peace.”