Read What Saraki Said About Late Nigeria’s Ambassador To US

Eminent Nigerians have expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, in Washington DC.

Late Prof. Ade Adefuye

According to a source in the US, the Ambassador was reported to have died in a yet to be disclosed hospital in Washington DC.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki described the death as a monumental loss to Nigeria whose international image Adefuye passionately shaped and defended in the U.S until his last breath.

He commiserated with the Federal Government, the Government and people of Ogun State and the immediate family of the deceased over the sudden departure of the Nigerian envoy.

The Senate President in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, said: “It is really sad that Adefuye waved us goodbye at a time his excellent services as a diplomat of repute are in dire need. His passionate advocacy and defense of Nigeria contributed immensely to Nigeria being declassified as “a country of interest” in America’s terrorism watch list following the Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s underwear bombing saga.

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He said: “We have lost an international defender. We have lost a strong voice at the international arena. However, it is inspiring that he died while rendering exemplary services to the fatherland.

“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute late Adefuye for a life of remarkable achievements as an academic and diplomat. He fought a good fight and acquitted himself valiantly. I am so proud that he was an epitome of the true Nigerian spirit, but also very sad that he left us suddenly.”

Saraki prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful rest and his family the grace to bear the irreparable loss.

Also, former Ogun state governor, Gbenga Daniel, has described as a seasoned diplomat whose death will be felt around the world having served across borders during his distinguished career.

In his condolence message on the death of the Nigerian ambassador to the United States, the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Daniel expressed his deepest condolences on the sudden loss.

“I was greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of this seasoned diplomat and astute administrator. It is one personal loss to me having been very close to him during his life”.

“Prior to his ambassadorial appointment, he was the pioneer Chairman of Gateway industrial & Petrochemical Institute(GIPI), a  tertiary institution established in Oni, Ogun Waterside local goernment area of Ogun State, to take advantage of the Olokola Liquified Natural Gas (OKLNG) initiatives.

According to the Otunba Daniel, the late ambassador was an important diplomat who played a pivotal role in persuading the United States to remove Nigeria from“country of interest” terrorism watch list following the Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab saga.

“He was a very gifted person endowed with wisdom, knowledge and was always ready to serve. He was also known for his frank disposition to issues and his advocacy for peace and justice which stood him out among his peers“.

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“No doubt, his loss will be felt around the world but we take solace in his legacies which will continue to inspire foreign affairs professionals“.

“On behalf of my family, I offer my condolences and sympathies to the family, relatives and those who share in the grief of the loss of the great diplomat and ask God to grant him a peaceful rest and patience for his bereaved family to bear the loss.”

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