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Major General Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope (1926–2012)

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Nigerian Soldier, Diplomat, Physician, and International Sports Administrator

Date: 4th August 1979
Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Early Life and Education

Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope was born on 15 March 1926 in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, to Chief Adefope and Alice Adefope. Though born in the North, he was of Yoruba descent.
He attended the prestigious CMS Grammar School, Lagos — Nigeria’s oldest secondary school — where he received his foundational education. He later proceeded to the University of Glasgow in Scotland, where he studied Medicine, graduating in 1952 with a degree in General Medicine.

Medical Career

After qualifying as a medical doctor, Adefope returned to Nigeria in 1953. He worked in both government and private medical services, practicing medicine across the country for a decade (1953–1963). His medical background would later play a key role in his military and administrative career, particularly in the Nigerian Army’s medical corps.

Military Career

In 1963, Adefope joined the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, at a time when the military was expanding after Nigeria’s independence. He rose through the ranks swiftly, recognized for his professionalism and leadership. Eventually, he attained the rank of Major General and served as Director of Medical Services, overseeing military healthcare and medical logistics during a formative period in Nigeria’s defense history.

Political and Diplomatic Career

Adefope transitioned from the military to public service during Nigeria’s era of military governments in the 1970s.

Minister of Labour (1975–1978): Appointed during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, Adefope was responsible for labor relations, employment policy, and workforce development.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs (1978–1979): In this capacity, he played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy during a critical time leading up to the country’s return to civilian rule in 1979.

He represented Nigeria in numerous international conferences and diplomatic missions.

Adefope’s tenure emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in African diplomacy, the anti-apartheid movement, and the promotion of African unity within the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) (now the African Union).

Sports Administration and International Olympic Involvement

Apart from his distinguished public and military service, Adefope was also deeply involved in sports administration, especially in the Olympic movement.

President, Nigerian Olympic Committee (1967–1976): He led Nigeria’s Olympic body for nearly a decade, promoting sports development nationally and internationally.

Vice-President, Commonwealth Games Federation (1974–1982): Adefope represented Africa within the Commonwealth sports community, advocating for equitable representation and athlete development.

Member, International Olympic Committee (IOC) (1985–2006): His election to the IOC placed him among the few Africans serving at the highest level of global sports governance.

He contributed to several IOC commissions, including those responsible for selecting host cities for the 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) Olympic Games.

In 2007, he was made an Honorary Member of the IOC in recognition of his long service and contributions.

Later Life and Legacy

Major General Adefope retired from public life but remained respected internationally for his integrity, discipline, and contributions to sports and diplomacy. He passed away on 11 March 2012, just four days before his 86th birthday.

Adefope’s career stands as a remarkable example of a multidisciplinary life of service — spanning medicine, the military, government, and international sports administration. His legacy reflects a rare blend of intellect, leadership, and patriotism.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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19 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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20 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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