Christian service of songs for the late Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, was held on Thursday at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island in Lagos. In attendance were family, friends, colleagues and other sympathisers, who all gathered to mourn the late envoy fondly called Ade.
Paying tributes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Rahman Bello, described the deceased as “a great Nigerian, a friend, colleague, mentor and research leader”.
He recalled that Adefuye delivered the UNILAG Golden jubilee lecture on December 16 2012.
Bello recalled that Adefuye joined UNILAG as a lecturer in 1972, became a Professor in 1985, after which he rose to the position of the Head of History Department, a post he held for 2 years.
Speaking, his daughter, Bunmi Adefuye, said “I thought this would happen when I’m in my 50s or 60s. But even if it happened that time, it would still be this painful.
“Daddy taught us to love God and serve Him with all our heart. He told us to be the best we could be academically and professionally. He also advised us to be charitable. He was very generous and kind man. We will miss him.”
In his tribute, an Industrialist, Oba Otudeko, disclosed that Prof Adefuye was his cousin and that they both grew up in Ijebu-Igbo.
“Ade was my friend even though I am older. It still remains a rude shock. But God permitted his demise because He knows all. He died when the hospital said he was fit to go home. That he passed on afterwards only means that his time was up”, he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolos Lulu, represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event.
He expressed Buhari’s heartfelt condolence and thoughts with the family.
His words: “Two days ago in Paris, I sought permission from the president to be here. He granted me leave, saying I should come and represent the federal government.
“The closest I got to Prof was during preparation for the most successful trip of President Buhari to US and I can say that he was a gentle man who works very hard.”
At the service were former Commonwealth scribe, Emeka Anyaoku, Former Governors of Ogun and Ekiti, Gbenga Daniel and Kayode Fayemi, among many other prominent personalities.
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