In a tribute, Obasanjo said the death was a personal loss, recalling their longstanding relationship and the late ambassador’s contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy, journalism and public service.
“It is with a profound sense of personal loss and deep sadness that I write this tribute to honour my dear friend, brother, and compatriot, Ambassador Patrick Dele-Cole, who has returned to his Maker at the age of 86,” the former president said.
“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.”
Obasanjo recalled that their relationship dated back several decades, when he served as military Head of State and Dele-Cole worked in the Cabinet Office.
He said their bond deepened during his civilian administration, particularly following Dele-Cole’s appointment as Special Adviser on International Relations in 1999.
According to Obasanjo, Nigeria was emerging from international isolation when he assumed office that year and needed experienced diplomatic hands to help restore its standing in the global community.
“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 described Dele-Cole as an indispensable member of his foreign policy team, noting that his understanding of international affairs helped shape the administration’s diplomatic engagements.
Obasanjo said the late diplomat travelled extensively with him and worked behind the scenes to rebuild Nigeria’s international relationships.
He also credited Dele-Cole with contributing to the strategies that culminated in Nigeria’s historic Paris Club debt relief, highlighting his diplomatic tact, economic insight and patriotism.
Beyond his role in government, Obasanjo praised Dele-Cole’s contribution to Nigerian journalism, particularly during his tenure as Managing Director of the Daily Times between 1976 and 1979.
He said the late journalist helped strengthen editorial independence at the newspaper by introducing an independent editorial board system intended to protect media policy from political interference.
Dele-Cole also served Nigeria as ambassador to Brazil from 1987 to 1990 and subsequently represented the country in Argentina. His diplomatic career included representation at the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity.
He was also involved in partisan politics and emerged as a presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the early 1990s.
Obasanjo described the late ambassador’s record across journalism, diplomacy and public administration as evidence of a life devoted to public service.
“His contributions to the Nigerian polity remain monumental,” he said, adding that Dele-Cole’s diplomatic assignments demonstrated that integrity and commitment to public duty could coexist.
The former president also recalled the loss of Dele-Cole’s wife, Pastor Mina Dugoabere Cole, several years ago, describing the ambassador’s death as another painful blow to the family.
He offered words of encouragement to the deceased’s children, including Tonye, urging them to remain united and uphold their father’s values.
“The greatest monument you can build in honour of your father is to preserve his towering legacy of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service,” Obasanjo said.
He urged the family to sustain the principles that defined Dele-Cole’s life and continue his commitment to uplifting humanity.
Obasanjo concluded by extending his condolences to the Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom, praying for strength for them to bear the loss and for the late ambassador’s soul to find eternal rest.
