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Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope was born on 15 March 1926 in Kaduna, Nigeria, to Alice Adefope and Chief Adefope. He grew up in a period when education was rapidly expanding in colonial Nigeria, and he benefitted from this new wave of learning. He attended CMS Grammar School in Lagos, one of the oldest and most respected secondary schools in the country, before moving to Glasgow University, where he studied General Medicine and graduated in 1952.
After completing his studies, Adefope returned home and practiced as a medical doctor from 1953 to 1963. His desire to serve at a higher level later led him into the Nigerian Army in 1963. Within the military, he rose steadily through the ranks and eventually became a Major General. He also served as the Director of Medical Services, guiding the health structure of the armed forces during a transformative period in Nigeria’s history.
Adefope later joined the federal government, where he held two important cabinet roles during the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo. From 1975 to 1978 he served as Minister of Labour, and from 1978 to 1979 he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. In these roles, he played a part in shaping both Nigeria’s labour policies and its international engagements during a crucial era.
Beyond government and the military, Adefope had a long and remarkable career in sports administration. He served as President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee from 1967 to 1976 and as Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Federation from 1974 to 1982. His influence stretched far beyond Nigeria when he was elected into the International Olympic Committee in 1985. While serving with the IOC, he contributed to the commissions that selected the host cities for the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. He was later investigated in connection with the 2002 Winter Olympic bid issue, but he was fully cleared of any wrongdoing. In recognition of his long service, he became an Honorary Member of the IOC in 2006.
Away from public life, Henry Adefope was a devoted family man. He was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His children include Femi Adefope, Dotun Okojie, Folake Nedd, Ronke Eso, Seyi Adefope, Niyi Adefope and Toyin Adeyeye.
Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope passed away on 11 March 2012 at the age of eighty five, only four days before his eighty sixth birthday. His life remains a reflection of service, leadership and dedication to both his country and the global sporting community.
SB E-news.
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