Prominent Nigerians on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to the late veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, during a service of songs held in his honour.
Kolade, aged 92, passed away on October 8, 2025. His family, in a statement released a day later, announced that he “died peacefully,” expressing gratitude for “his incredible life of faith and service.”
The event, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre (formerly the National Arts Theatre), drew a cross-section of dignitaries, family members, friends, and associates who gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the revered statesman.
Among those in attendance were President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Minister of Science and Technology, Olorunibe Mamora; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Delivering a tribute on behalf of the President, Gbajabiamila described Kolade as a man whose life reflected service to God and humanity.
“Few people bestride the arena of public service with the dexterity, confidence, and diligence that Dr. Christopher Kolade possessed,” Tinubu said. “He served his country with distinction, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Through his foundation, he touched countless lives, particularly persons living with sickle cell disease.”
Former President Obasanjo, in an emotional reflection, recounted persuading Kolade to accept the position of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom during his tenure, describing him as “a man who never sought personal gain.”
“Chris and I have come a long way. I don’t have too many friends, but Chris was one of them,” Obasanjo said. “I had to beg him to take the London post because I needed someone I could trust. He delivered exceptionally and also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s debt relief campaign.”
Former Minister Mamora, who once worked under Kolade at Cadbury Nigeria, described him as “a man of honour and legendary humility,” while Peter Obi hailed him as “one of the best of humanity,” noting his unmatched integrity and character.
Delivering the sermon, Archbishop of the Ife Diocese, Most Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, described Kolade as “a good man who lived righteously,” adding that “God granted him the grace to live long and die as a righteous man.”
Dr. Kolade’s illustrious career spanned broadcasting, diplomacy, academia, and corporate governance. Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, to an Anglican missionary, he attended Government College, Ibadan, and later studied at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone.