AMBASSADOR IBIDAPO ADEFUYE

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• published: 20 Sep 2015
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LIFE AND TIME OF AMBASSADOR ADEBOWALE IBIDAPO ADEFUYE Ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye a true Nigerian patriot, an envoy par excellence, a notable scholar, an exemplary family man and an incredibly good-spirited human being has passed away. As Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States, he was adjudged to be among the very best envoys in the history of United States –Nigeria diplomatic relations. In words and in deed, Adefuye actually performed the role of the Nigerian envoy here in the US in a very unique way, becoming not just the voice of the Nigerian government here, but also the voice of the Nigerian community. In September 2013 he was awarded publicly the DISTINGUISHED AMBASSADOR AWARD by Christian Association of Nigerian-American (CANAN) The indomitable, exuberant, diplomat was born in Ijebu Igbo,Ogun State, Nigeria in 1947. Ambassador Adefuye received his first degree in History at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 1969, and in 1973 earned a Ph.D. in History there, with a dissertation on “The Political History of the Palwo, 1400-1911.” As a Fulbright scholar he studied at Columbia University the University of North Florida (and the University of Florida in Gainesville, United States. Adefuye started his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Lagos, where he rose to the position of professor and, published books and articles, and served as Head of the History Department from 1985 to 1987. Among the books he has written are “History of the Peoples of Lagos State” (1987) and “Culture and Foreign Policy: The Nigerian Example” (1993). He received his first diplomatic posting as High Commissioner to Jamaica, with concurrent accreditation to Haiti and Belize, a job he kept from 1987 to 1991. From 1991 to 1994, he served as Deputy High Commissioner at the Nigerian Embassy in London, U.K., from where he was hired by the Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth of Nations) as Deputy Director of Strategic Planning. After fourteen years with the Commonwealth, Adefuye took a job with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where he served as an Advisor for two years, from 2008 to 2010 He was appointed as Nigeria Ambassador to United States in 2010 by Ex President Jonathan Goodluck. He was warmly welcomed by United States President Barrack Obama. Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye is one of the most respected and dignified Ambassadors in the history of Nigeria. His dignity & decorum represent the high-water mark of Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry- Amb Adefuye had a keen understanding of the United States and developed strong relationships with his American colleagues. His tenure helped significantly strengthen the U.S.-Nigerian partnership. Although he has departed in flesh, Prof Adefuye, the son of an Anglican Bishop, has left indelible marks in the hearts of many who encountered him whether in the discharge of his many public offices, as a teacher or in other personal instances. He can never be forgotten.