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Major General Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope: The Soldier, Diplomat, Physician and Sports Statesman Who Shaped Modern Nigeria

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A distinguished military doctor, influential foreign minister, and global sports administrator

Early Life and Background

Major General Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope (1926–2012) was one of Nigeria’s most accomplished public figures, straddling careers in medicine, military service, diplomacy, and international sports administration. Born on 15 March 1926 in Lagos, Nigeria, he belonged to a distinguished Yoruba family and grew up during the colonial era, when educational and professional opportunities for Africans were limited but obtainable for the very talented.

Education and Medical Training

Adefope attended CMS Grammar School, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious secondary institutions. He later enrolled at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where he studied medicine. He graduated as a medical doctor in the early 1950s and practised in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria shortly before independence.

His medical expertise became the foundation of everything that followed—particularly his service in the Nigerian Army Medical Corps.

Career in the Nigerian Army

In 1963, three years after Nigeria gained independence, Adefope joined the Nigerian Army Medical Corps.
He rose through the ranks swiftly due to his discipline, competence, and ability to manage complex operations.

By the 1970s, he had become one of Nigeria’s most senior military medical officers, eventually achieving the rank of Major General.

His military career placed him at the intersection of healthcare, national service, and administration—fields in which he demonstrated exceptional leadership.

Sports Administration: A Visionary Builder

Before his diplomatic career, Adefope became a major figure in Nigerian and international sports.

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He served as:

President, Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) – 1967 to 1976

Vice-President, Commonwealth Games Federation – 1974 to 1982

During his tenure, he helped strengthen Nigeria’s presence in global sports, oversaw athlete development during a golden era, and positioned the country as a serious competitor on the international stage.

His influence extended beyond Nigeria, placing him among the most respected sports administrators within the Commonwealth.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (1978–1979)

Adefope’s diplomatic career reached its peak when he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government.

During his tenure:

He championed Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa

Supported liberation movements in Southern Africa

Strengthened Nigeria’s anti-apartheid stance

Reinforced the country’s influence within the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)

This was a transformative period when Nigeria emerged as a leading voice in African diplomacy. Adefope’s calm but assertive diplomatic style earned him global respect.

The image referenced was reportedly taken in Lusaka, Zambia, on 4 August 1979, around the final months of his diplomatic service.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving government, Adefope continued participating in international diplomacy and global sports until his retirement. His later years were spent in Lagos, where he remained a respected elder statesman.

He passed away on 11 March 2012, just four days before his 86th birthday.

His legacy endures in:

Nigeria’s foreign policy foundations

The transformation of the Nigerian Olympic movement

The development of military medical services in post-independence Nigeria

His role as one of the few Nigerians who excelled nationally and internationally across multiple fields

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Adefope remains a symbol of discipline, service, and intellectual excellence in Nigerian public life.

Sources

1. Nigeria Olympic Committee – Historical Leadership Records

2. Commonwealth Games Federation Archives

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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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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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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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