Dele Cole’s Death a Great Loss to Nigeria, Obasanjo Says

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the death of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole as a major loss to Nigeria, paying tribute to the late diplomat as one of the country’s finest intellectuals and a trusted associate who made significant contributions to national development.

Obasanjo, in a tribute following Cole’s death at the age of 86, said the country had lost a distinguished figure whose impact on diplomacy, politics, journalism and public service would be remembered for years to come.

He also described the death as a personal loss, recalling their longstanding relationship, which began decades ago when Obasanjo was military Head of State and Cole served in the Cabinet Office.

Their association continued during Obasanjo’s civilian administration from 1999 to 2007, when Cole was appointed Special Adviser on International Relations.

The former president said Cole was central to his administration’s foreign policy efforts, particularly its drive to restore Nigeria’s standing in the international community following years of diplomatic isolation.

“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 said.

He recalled that Nigeria faced the difficult task of reconnecting with the international community when he took office in 1999, adding that Cole’s expertise made him an obvious choice for a key advisory role.

“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 to his appointment as my Special Adviser on International Relations,” he said.

Obasanjo noted that working with a president deeply interested in international affairs demanded considerable diplomatic skill. He said Cole’s knowledge of global relations and diplomatic practice made him an invaluable member of the administration.

He further disclosed that Cole accompanied him on numerous official engagements abroad and contributed to efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s international partnerships and advance its interests.

The former president also acknowledged Cole’s role in the diplomatic and economic initiatives that culminated in Nigeria’s historic Paris Club debt relief.

“Dele brought unmatched tact, brilliant economic insight, and unyielding patriotism to the table,” Obasanjo said, highlighting the late diplomat’s combination of diplomatic finesse, economic understanding and commitment to the country.

Beyond government, Cole also made notable contributions to the media industry. Obasanjo particularly recalled his tenure as managing director of the Daily Times, where he introduced an independent editorial board system designed to protect the newspaper’s editorial policy from political interference.

His appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil and Argentina was another milestone in a career the former president said reflected a strong commitment to public duty.

“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,” he said.

Obasanjo also reflected on the personal grief surrounding Cole’s death, noting that the diplomat had lost his wife, Pastor Mina Dugoabere Cole, years earlier. He described her as the family’s matriarch and said the deaths of both parents had created a painful absence in the lives of their children.

Expressing hope that the couple had reunited in eternity, the former president urged their children, including Tonye and his siblings, to remain united and protect the legacy their father left behind.

“To his children, Tonye and his siblings, my fatherly advice is 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,” he said.

He encouraged them to uphold Cole’s values and continue contributing positively to society, noting that doing so would be the best way to honour his memory.

Obasanjo ended his tribute with prayers for the Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom, asking God to give them strength to cope with the loss.

“May the Almighty God grant the entire Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May the noble soul of Ambassador Dele Cole find eternal rest,” he said.

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