We’ve lost one of our finest Diplomats –Governor Ambode mourns Professor Adefuye

…Lagos State Governor mourns the death of Nigeria’s Envoy to US, Adefuye.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday expressed shock and sadness over the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye.

Adefuye, a professor of history, passed away on Thursday at a hospital in the United States. He was 68 years old.

The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna described Adefuye as one of finest diplomats Nigeria has produced in recent times, saying his death comes as a shock to many, especially as he was in the twilight of his tenure.

He recalled that Adefuye played a pivotal role in reviving the image of Nigeria and worked tirelessly to ensure that the nation was removed from the US terrorism watch list in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President of US, Barack Obama and Professor Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye
L-R: The President of US, Barack Obama and Professor Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye

“We have lost a rare gem, a diplomat extra ordinarie, who had served this nation meritoriously. Our prayer is that his soul will find repose in the bosom of our Lord”.

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of the deceased, the people of Ogun state and Nigerians on this sad loss”, Governor Ambode said.

Mr. Adefuye hailed from Ijebu-Igbo in 1947, and studied at the University of Ibadan where he earned his first degree in 1969 as well as a PhD in history in 1973.

He also received a Fulbright Fellowship that enabled him to do research work at Columbia University, the University of North Florida, and the University of Florida in Gainesville.