Obasanjo Mourns Dele Cole, Says Nigeria Has Lost One Of Its Finest Intellectuals

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday mourned the death of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, who died at the age of 86, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest intellectuals.

Obasanjo, in a tribute issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and personally signed by him to mourn the deceased, described Ambassador Cole as “a dear friend, brother, and compatriot”, whose counsel shaped pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history.

In the tribute, a copy of which was obtained by LEADERSHIP, former President Obasanjo said Cole’s contributions to the Nigerian polity “remained monumental beyond his advisory role”, stressing that the deceased revolutionised African journalism during the period he held sway as the Managing Director of Daily Times, where he introduced “an independent editorial board system that insulated media policy from political interference”.

“It is with a profound sense of personal loss and deep sadness that I write this tribute to honour my dear friend, brother, and compatriot, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, who has returned to his Maker at the age of 86. Nigeria has lost one of its finest intellectual pillars, and I have lost a trusted ally whose counsel shaped pivotal moments in our nation’s history.

Obasanjo, who went down memory lane, recalled that their paths were closely intertwined decades ago, during his tenure as the military Head of State, with Ambassador Cole serving in the Cabinet Office.

“However, it was during my democratic administration as President of Nigeria, from 1999 to 2007, that our bond reached its zenith”.

“When I took office in 1999, Nigeria was emerging from isolation and desperately needed to be reintegrated into the global community. I knew I needed the finest diplomatic minds beside me, which led me to appoint him as my Special Adviser on International Relations.

“His masterful stints as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil and Argentina further cemented his legacy as a titan of public service who proved that integrity and public duty can coexist beautifully”.

This departure leaves a massive, heartbreaking void, especially as it follows the painful loss of his beloved wife and family matriarch, Pastor Mina Dugoabere Cole, only a few years ago. It is heavy to contemplate that both columns of the Cole family support are now gone. Yet, we find solace in knowing that they are now reunited in eternity, resting peacefully together in the bosom of the Almighty”.

“Advising a president who is himself fiercely passionate about foreign policy is no easy feat – a reality Dele often humorously acknowledged. Yet, his sophisticated grasp of global dynamics made him an indispensable linchpin of our foreign policy machinery”.

“He travelled extensively with me, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to repair Nigeria’s broken diplomatic ties, and helped formulate the robust strategies that ultimately brought about our historic Paris Club debt relief. Dele brought unmatched tact, brilliant economic insight, and unyielding patriotism to the table”.

In his fatherly advice, the former President, however, admonished the family, particularly the children, “Tonye and his siblings”, to stand firm, united, and proud.

“The greatest monument you can build in honour of your father is to preserve his towering legacy of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service. Do not let the torch he carried so boldly burn out; instead, let his principles guide your steps as you continue to uplift humanity.

He also prayed that the Almighty God would grant the entire Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.