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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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Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

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“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

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Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

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I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

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The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

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“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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