Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has described the death of a former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia and member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Ambassador Ibironke Adefope, as a great loss to the state.

The governor described Adefope as an amazon and an icon, who made indelible marks on the sands of time, stating that she would be greatly missed by the state.

According to the governor, the news of Adefope’s death came as a shock, but everyone must submit to the will of God.

He added that Mama Adefope lived a great and enviable life, sustained the great legacy left by her grandfather, Chief Meredith Adisa Akinloye and also made her own marks.

He 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.’’

Also, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Adebo Ogundoyin, said: “Ambassador Ibironke Adefope was a distinguished stateswoman, a pillar of wisdom, and a beacon of excellence. Her impact on Oyo State and Nigeria at large cannot be overstated. She dedicated her life to the service of our great nation, upholding values of integrity, diligence, and patriotism.’’

The Speaker emphasised that Adefope’s passing is a significant loss, not just to her family, but to Oyo and the entire diplomatic community.