Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Ambassador Ibironke Adefope, describing her as an “Amazon” and “icon” whose life and service left “indelible marks on the sands of time.”
Ambassador Adefope, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia, passed away at the age of 73.
Born on February 23, 1952, in Ibadan, Oyo State, she was widely celebrated for a life defined by academic brilliance, exemplary diplomatic service, and unwavering commitment to community development.
In a deeply emotional tribute made available to the press, Chief Ayorinde, who is the Chairman Governor’s Advisory Council of Oyo State, described her as graceful and elegant—a rare combination of beauty and brains.
“We both served on the committee that secured the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) by Oyo State,” he recalled. “Her contributions and interventions were priceless to the success of that committee.”
He expressed profound sorrow over her passing, describing it as a monumental loss to Oyo State, Nigeria, and the international community.
“Ambassador Adefope was, without question, an Amazon,” Ayorinde wrote. “She carried herself with such quiet dignity and wisdom that one could not help but be drawn to her presence. Her commitment to excellence and service to Nigeria remains etched in our collective memory.”
The Senior Advocate remembered her tenure as High Commissioner to Zambia as one marked by impactful diplomacy and service to the nation.
“Her colleagues often spoke of her tact, her intelligence, and her ability to remain calm in the most challenging of negotiations. She was, without doubt, one of Nigeria’s most accomplished foreign envoys.”
According to Ayorinde, her contributions went far beyond diplomacy.
“She was a tireless advocate for community development. She poured herself into causes that uplifted the less privileged. Her heart beat strongly for humanity.”
He praised her as a source of pride for Oyo State, noting her deep connection to her roots despite her global engagements.
“The people of Oyo State have lost a true gem. She wore her heritage with pride and dignity, never failing to honour her roots even as she reached the highest levels of diplomatic service.”
Chief Ayorinde extended his condolences to the Adefope family, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state.
“To His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, I join you and the people of Oyo State in mourning this monumental loss. Her footprints in the sands of public service will remain indelible,” he said.
He urged the people of Oyo State and Nigeria to uphold her legacy by embracing service, integrity, and excellence.
“Let us celebrate her legacy by emulating her values and keeping her memory alive through acts of service and excellence.”
Ayorinde concluded his tribute with a message of deep reverence: “Her life reminds us that greatness does not lie in titles alone, but in how we serve, how we uplift others, and how we remain true to our convictions. Her name will be spoken with reverence, her deeds will continue to inspire, and her memory will be cherished always.”
