Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late ace Photojournalist, Pa Peter Obe, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 81.

The governor, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said that the death of Mr. Obe had marked the end of an era in the history of photojournalism in Nigeria.

He particularly acknowledged the role played by the late photojournalist during the Nigerian civil war and other historical events in the country, a feat which the governor said had marked Obe out as a core professional who made an indelible mark in Nigerian journalism.

``Although the ace photojournalist died at the ripe age of 81, his departure is shocking and painful. He was one particular photojournalist who used the power of picture to contribute to the socio-political development of Nigeria.

``Pa Obe was not only an icon, he was a master of his profession. At a time when not many people were brave enough to take to photojournalism as a profession because of the risk associated with it, he put all hindrances aside and made a mark,’’ the governor remarked.

He commended the foresightedness of the late Pa Obe which he said informed the putting together of all his photo collections as a book for the future generation of Nigerians to drink from the fountain of his knowledge.

Governor Ajimobi called on contemporary photojournalists to learn from the doggedness, tenacity, commitment and dedication of the late Pa Obe to the profession which he said earned him accolades during his lifetime. He called for the celebration of the life and times of the late photojournalism icon who he said lived a fulfilled life.