An Ekiti-born former Nigerian Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Lawrence Tunde Bade-Afuye, has passed on at the age of 76.
Bade-Afuye served as Nigeria’s ambassador in 2013 following his appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan, thus becoming the first career ambassador from Ikere-Ekiti.
He also served the Nigerian government in various capacities before his appointment as ambassador.
In a statement in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, one of the children of the deceased, Dr. Toyin Bade-Afuye of the Department of Theatre and Media Arts, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, on behalf of the family, confirmed that the renowned diplomat passed peacefully on 10th November 2025.
The retired ambassador, who is a native of Ikere-Ekiti, was involved in community advocacy, particularly concerning environmental regulations. He is an alumnus of Annunciation Secondary School, Ikere-Ekiti.
He served in various capacities including: Minister Counselor/Minister, Embassy of Nigeria, The Hague; Minister, Nigeria High Commission, Freetown, Sierra Leone; and was appointed the first ever Deputy Head of Mission, Nigeria High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago, and retired from the service in 2013.
The skilled diplomat of international repute equally participated in various conferences and official trips including: Law of the Sea Conference, Montego Bay, Jamaica, attached to the Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide; various summits of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in virtually all the countries of the Community; participated actively as the Mission’s Senior Desk Officer at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, The Hague.
His academic journey was characterized by incredible achievements, where he graduated with a B.A (Hons) from the then University of Ife in History/Political Science in 1979; M.Sc Political Science (International Relations), University of Ibadan.
He went further to attain Post-Graduate studies in Administration from Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone in 1991, and a PhD in International Studies from Trinity University, California, USA in 2016, and joined the foreign service in 1980, where he served at the Headquarters and in various Nigerian Missions.
Bade-Afuye covered and wrote the official report of the proceedings of Nigeria vs. Cameroon Bakassi Case at the World Court, The Hague in 2003; reported on the assumption of political power by Nelson Mandela in the historic South African transition from Apartheid to multi-party democracy in April 1994; covered the official trips of the Federal Ministry of Commerce to the South East Asian countries of Hong Kong, Thailand and Bangladesh; wrote the official reports of President Obasanjo’s state and official visits to The Hague; and embarked on official trips to Australia, Saudi Arabia, among several other countries, to inspect Nigerian Missions as Inspector of the Foreign Service Inspectorate. He also served in Germany and Botswana
He published a book titled The Rise and Fall of Apartheid: Nigeria as a Factor.
The book is dedicated to His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbodo, The Agirilala II, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti.
The book presentation took place in 2018 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The foreword was written by Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, a professor of international relations.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Prof. Osita Agbu wrote reviews about the book.
The astute administrator, during his lifetime, bagged illustrious awards including: Best Graduating Student, History/Political Science, University of Ife in 1979; presented the paper adjudged the best at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Public Speaking Programme for Officers; one of the Best Graduating 102 Officers (3rd Place) at the MFA Mid-Career Course — rewarded with presents and immediate posting abroad; recognition with Special Award by the Trinidadian Community for Special Service to Humanity; and special commendation by the MFA for the outstanding success of President Jonathan’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Adunni Esther Bade-Afuye, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and family members.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
