Tribute To Veteran Politician Omar Amadou Jallow (O.J)
The country mourns the sudden death of Omar Amadou Jallow affectionately called OJ. He was a household name across the political and social spectrum and had served in portfolios during the first republic and the Barrow regime
Omar Amadou Jallow, was born in 1946 passed away peacefully on Sunday 14th May, 2023 (77yrs) after months of illness.
Omar Amadou Jallow was the Minister of Agriculture in President Adama Barrow‘s cabinet. Jallow was also one time the leader of the People’s Progressive Party, which has two seats in the National Assembly.
Jallow was a People’s Progressive Party government minister under The Late Former President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, being the incumbent Minister of Agriculture when Former President Yahya Jammeh executed the coup d’état that saw him seize power in 1994. Throughout Jammeh’s time in power, Jallow was arrested on 22 separate occasions. He was reportedly tortured on four occasions.
Jallow was re-appointed as Minister of Agriculture by President Barrow after he won the 2016 presidential election. However, The late OJ Jallow was relieved of his post in 2018. He remained active in politics and advocated for democracy, human rights, and reconciliation in The Gambia. He was also well known for his progressive views on issues.
OJ has made name for himself as a tough-talking Gambian politician with a liberal mind. He is Gambia’s first politician to have called for legalization of Marijuana and also repealing of country’s tough anti-gay law.
Jallow was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. He will be remembered as a courageous and principled politician who dedicated his life to serving his country and its people.
May Allah SWT forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannahtul Firdawsi. May Allah grant his family and loved ones Sabr to bear this loss