David Williams
The life and legacy of Ambassador Dr. Tunde Lawrence Bade Afuye, who passed on November 10, 2025, was celebrated on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Odo Oja, Ikere Ekiti.
The 76-year-old diplomat was described by many as a rare disciplinarian and brilliant statesman who rose from humble beginnings to serving Nigeria with exceptional distinction across several continents.
During the well-attended church service, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Cyril Osadare, guided the congregation in prayers, while Rev. Fr. Ogunlusi Clement delivered a heartfelt sermon centered on faith, resurrection, and the boundless mercy of God.
He emphasized that Ambassador Afuye lived a life worthy of emulation, reminding the attendees that the mercy of God extends to both the living and the departed.
He noted that the late envoy, who lost his father at age five, built his life through hard work, determination, and faith.The ceremony drew an impressive turnout of dignitaries.
Catholic Bishop Felix Ajakaye led the clergy in attendance. Retired ambassadors from across the country, representatives of traditional institutions, EKSU management and staff, members of the Association of Old Boys, and delegations from Lagos and Abuja all came to honor the late diplomat.
Students of Annunciation School also rendered their school anthem in tribute, adding an emotional touch to the event.Ambassador Afuye’s diplomatic career was widely celebrated during the service.
From serving as second and first secretary in Berlin during the height of the Cold War to witnessing the historic emergence of democratic South Africa in 1994 while at the Nigerian High Commission in Gaborone.
His tenure at the Nigerian Embassy in The Hague saw him serve as Senior Desk Officer at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and handle the official report of the landmark Nigeria-Cameroon Bakassi case at the International Court of Justice.
His diplomatic journey later took him to Sierra Leone and Trinidad and Tobago, where he eventually rose to full ambassadorial rank under President Goodluck Jonathan.Family members, close associates, and well-wishers poured out heartfelt tributes.
Mr. Segun Oluwafemi described him as “a remarkable father and an unforgettable ambassador whose life was built on discipline and service.”
He urged the family to preserve the values the late envoy lived by, noting that his influence would endure for years. Dr. Toyin Afuye remembered her father as “a brilliant, principled, and exceptional man whose love for God, people, and education shaped many lives.”
She thanked attendees for honoring him so soon after his passing, saying the turnout reflected the impact he made on society.
Dr. Oludare Oluwayomi described him as a father who was not only firm and principled but also deeply nurturing. “He made us who we are. My PhD journey would have been impossible without him. He was a father, a brother, a mentor, and a grandfather who always guided and cared for us.”
He expressed profound gratitude to everyone present, thanking God for the privilege of celebrating a life so meaningful.After the church service, the procession moved to the ambassador’s residence, where he was laid to rest.
