Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the death of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest intellectuals and a trusted ally whose contributions to diplomacy, politics and public service were remarkable.
In a tribute to the late diplomat, who died at the age of 86, Obasanjo described his passing as a profound personal loss and a major loss to the country, particularly in the areas of foreign policy and international relations.
The former president recalled that his relationship with Cole began several decades ago when he was Nigeria’s military Head of State and the late diplomat worked in the Cabinet Office.
Their relationship grew stronger during Obasanjo’s civilian administration between 1999 and 2007, when Cole served as his Special Adviser on International Relations.
Describing Cole as a vital member of his administration’s foreign policy team, Obasanjo said the diplomat contributed significantly to efforts to restore Nigeria’s international reputation after 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,” he said.
Obasanjo explained that his administration faced the task of reconnecting Nigeria with the international community when he assumed office in 1999, making Cole’s diplomatic experience particularly important.
“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.
The former president noted that advising a leader with a keen interest in foreign affairs demanded exceptional diplomatic competence. He added that Cole’s extensive knowledge of international relations made him an indispensable member of his administration.
According to Obasanjo, Cole accompanied him on several official trips and worked behind the scenes to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and promote the country’s interests internationally.
He also credited the late diplomat with contributing to the diplomatic and economic efforts that led to Nigeria’s historic Paris Club debt relief, noting that his contributions reflected tact, economic understanding and patriotism.
“Dele brought unmatched tact, brilliant economic insight, and unyielding patriotism to the table,” Obasanjo said.
Beyond diplomacy, Obasanjo acknowledged Cole’s contributions to journalism, particularly during his tenure as managing director of the Daily Times. He said Cole introduced an independent editorial board system designed to shield editorial decisions from political interference.
The former president also recalled Cole’s service as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, describing his diplomatic assignments and journalism career as evidence of his commitment to public service.
“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 expressed particular sadness over Cole’s death, which followed the earlier loss of his wife, Pastor Mina Dugoabere Cole, whom he described as the family’s matriarch.
He noted that the loss of both parents had created a painful void in the family but expressed hope that the couple had reunited in eternity.
Offering words of encouragement to Cole’s children, including Tonye and his siblings, Obasanjo urged them to remain united and uphold the values their father represented.
“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 further encouraged them to maintain their father’s principles and continue making meaningful contributions to society, describing this as the most fitting way to preserve his memory.
Obasanjo concluded by praying for divine comfort for the Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom as they mourned the late diplomat.
“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.
