Tribute are poured in for former agriculture minister Omar Amadou Jallow today (15 May) after he died at his home after months of illness.

OJ as he is better known is remembered for speaking truth to power – as he was arrested 22 times by Jammeh regime.

Lamin Njie, a US-based Gambian journalist said OJ lived and died for The Gambia.

“He refused all invitations to be taken outside of The Gambia for treatment. He said he’d stay in The Gambia and would die like every common Gambian if that’s what Allah willed. He left his fate with Allah first and then Gambian doctors. I have been to his house all the time and we stood shoulder to shoulder to pray. Rest on, beloved. May Allah forgive your sins and admit you in his greatest paradise,” he said.

Ahmad Gitteh, an independent candidate seeking Brikama Area Council chairmanship said a legend has fallen. 

“Team_Gitteh extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Uncle Omar Amadou Jallow and pray that Allah grants him Jannatul-Firdaus with all the departed souls.”

Ebou Jalloh, also described the late OJ as the greatest politician in the Gambia, calling him “a man of exceptional honour, integrity and decency. Forever in our hearts and minds.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba