Last week, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, was badly hit with deaths of its two top celebrities.
Ambassador Ibironke Adefowope, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia and Malawi and Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi, a prominent business magnate and socialite both passed away within 24 hours of the week.
While Ambassador Adefowope died at 73 on Monday, June 9, 2025, Ajadi, on the other hand, passed away at 89 on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
The two deaths, despite the fact that it wasn't a premature deaths, have left many, especially the family and friends of the deceased persons, in a sober mood.
The duo, no doubt, will be terribly missed not only by their families but the society generally. This is because of the positive impacts the two were able to make in their chosen careers and their immediate environment.
Adefowope, in her lifetime, dominated the academic, political and social circles. She was well educated and exposed and beautiful. She comes from a very prominent family in Ibadan. Having being born to the family of Late Pa Vaughan and High Chief (Mrs) Gladys Vaughan, the Late Otun Iyalode of Ibadanland and the founder/proprietress of the famous Omolewa Nursery and Primary School, Oritamefa, Ibadan.
She was also a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi and a member of Oyo State Elder's Council.
Little wonder that Governor Seyi Makinde, in his tribute, described Adefowope's death as a great loss to the state.
Adefowope, Makinde said, was "an Amazon and an icon, who made indelible marks on the sands of time."
The governor said: "The news of the death of our Mama, Ambassador Ibironke Adefope, a former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia and a member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, came to me as a rude shock.
“However, we must submit to the will of God, who gives and takes life.
“I condole with the Akinloye Family, the Vaughans as well as her immediate family. I equally commiserate with the Oyo State Elders’ Council.
“Mama was a great Amazon and an icon, who made immense contributions to the development and progress of Oyo State as well as Nigeria. She sustained the great legacy she inherited and also made her marks on the sand of time.
“She will be missed greatly for her support, words of advice and commitment to our dear state.
May the Lord console everyone she left behind.”
Meanwhile, as Adefowope was an icon in the academic and social circles, Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi was a force in business and on the social scene too. He was called 'Alapa Faari' for the fun of it. He actually dominated the social scene like a colossus.
Ajadi was born in Ibadan on April 5, 1936 to the family of Alhaji Lawal Akanni Akintola of Ogunyinka Compound, Oke-Ado, Ibadan and Alhaja Salamotu Lawal Akintola of Oga Compound (now Onikete Compound), Ile-Tuntun, Oke-Eleta, Ibadan.
He was a successful businessman whose business interests cut across automotive, tyre merchandise, heavy duty machinery spare parts, real estate and hospitality.
He was also a philanthropist, and one of the most stylish men in the Ibadan social establishment.
He was a toast of many big musicians, especially late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, his close friend.
Paying his tribute, a former Senate Leader and the Aare Alaasa of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Teslim Folarin, described Lamidi Ajadi as a great asset to Ibadanland.
He said: "I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the entire Ibadan city over the passing a renowned business tycoon, elder statesman, and illustrious son of the soil, Chief Lamidi Ajadi (Baba Adini of Oyo State).
"Chief Lamidi Ajadi was great asset to Ibadanland. His contributions to business, community development, and social welfare will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
"I pray for the repose of his soul and for comfort to us. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.
"May Almighty Allah Forgive his shortcomings and Grant him Al-Janatul Firdaus."
Credit: City People
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