MAKINDE MOURNS EX-ENVOY IBIRONKE ADEFOPE, DESCRIBES HER AS AN ICON AND AMAZON

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia and a member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Ibironke Adefope, describing her passing as a monumental loss to the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde hailed Adefope as an icon and an Amazon who left indelible marks on the sands of time through her exemplary service and leadership.

“The news of the death of our Mama, Adefope, a former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia and a member of the state Elders’ Council, came to me as a rude shock,” the governor stated. “However, we must submit to the will of God, who gives and takes life.”

Makinde noted that Adefope lived a remarkable and enviable life, continuing the legacy of her grandfather, Meredith Adisa Akinloye, while also carving out a legacy of her own.

“She will be greatly missed by the state,” the governor added. “She sustained the great legacy left behind by her grandfather and made her own mark. Mama was a shining light whose contributions will not be forgotten.”

“Mama was a great Amazon and an icon, who made immense contributions to the development and progress of the state as well as Nigeria. She sustained the great legacy she inherited and also made her mark on the sands of time.

“She will be missed greatly for her support, words of advice and commitment to our dear state. May the Lord console everyone she left behind,” she submitted.

He extended his condolences to the Eegunjenmi Family of Itutaba, Oje, Ibadan; the family of the late Pa Akinloye; Adefope’s immediate family; and members of the Oyo State Elders’ Council.

Adefope’s death marks the loss of a revered stateswoman whose life and service had a lasting impact on Oyo State and Nigeria’s diplomatic community.