MAKINDE COMMISSIONER HON TOYIN BALOGUN, MOURNS DEMISE OF ICONIC AMBASSADOR IBIRONKE ADEFOPE AT 73*

On behalf of the female demographic of Oyo State,It’s with a deep sense of loss but gratitude to God for a life of impact which was well spent,that I commiserate with His Excellency Governor Makinde,my darling Ms Tara Adefope; Oyo State DG Bureau Of Public Procurement,the Oyo State Executive Council and the entirety of the illustrious
illustrious Vaughan and Akinloye Egunjenmi families on the demise of my fairy godmother; Ambassador Ibironke Apinke Adefope,a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia and Malawi who translated to glory at the ripe old age of 73

Mummy was until her demise,a member of the Elders Council of Oyo State

Ambassador Adefope whose appellation was Ibironke Apinke Opoo,was a woman of class,style,panache,integrity and limitless capacity to add value

This is not only a loss to the state,it’s a personal loss for me because she was not only a staunch supporter of my Principal HE Governor Seyi Makinde,she was one of my biggest cheerleaders,supporters ,a valued advisor and role model

The last time I visited her with my Chief of Staff,she gave useful advice and critique on some of our projections and plans for the benefit of the female demographic

She told me she made it a point of duty to look out for my public engagements and was pained that she could not participate in the last International Women’s Day Celebration due to health constraints but was looking forward to the next edition

She told me she saw a younger version of herself in me with our unconventional approach to getting the needful done,our refusal to accept the word “Impossibility” and our shared commitment to making a difference while sharing anecdotes to encourage me about how she was able to institute a lot of positive changes despite resistance by the system while she at the helm as the Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia and Malawi

Amb Adefope had a sweet tooth like I do and always packed tons of chocolates and other goodies to go for me whenever I visited

I celebrate with the Hosts of Heaven for welcoming a good woman into its midst

It’s my prayer that God grant His Excellency,@Ms Tara Adefope,the rest of her family and her adoptive children the fortitude to bear an irreparable loss

Sunre o,Maami Apinke

Hon( Mrs) Toyin BALOGUN