The story
This memorial was created in honor of Ambassador Victor Adegoroye [A Career Diplomat who served as Nigeria's former Ambassador to Ethiopia and Representative to the African Union (AU)]. He was born on March 1, 1925 and passed on April 1, 2018. Ambassador Victor Adegoroye was loved by many and will be dearly missed by family and friends.
His life and times:
1934-1937: Houseboy to Mr. Fayose, headmaster of Barnabas School, Ilorin
1938-1941: Attended St David's Primary School,Akure
1942-1945: Attended Christ School Ado Ekiti, passed Cambridge School Certificate with exemption from London Matriculation
1946-1951: Worked in the Western Civil Service as 3rd and 2nd Class Clerk
1951- Proceeded to England
1952-1953: Attended Regent Street Polytechnic London and passed what was then known as Preliminary (a requirement for entrance to University)
1953-1956: Attended London School of Economics (London University) and came out with B.Sc Economics Honors
Until 1954, when the Western Region gave him a scholarship, he was working as a Porter in Euston Station London (11:30pm- 07:30am) and attending School full time
On return to Nigeria in 1956, he joined the Western Civil Service as Administrative Officer. Victor Adegoroye worked as assistant district officer in Auchi (Edo State) and Ijebu-Remo (Ogun State) from where he was transferred to the foreign Service in 1959.
Ambassador Victor Adegoroye was posted with other new recruits to London for training by the Commonwealth office. He learnt German and was sent to Bad-Aibling in Bavaria to learn the language. He was also attached to the British Embassy in Copenhagen (Denmark) for Six Months.
In 1960, he returned from London and was posted to Accra Ghana. From there, he was posted (1961) to open Nigerian Embassies in Bon (then Capital of Western Germany) and Moscow capital of the Soviet Union).
He came back to headquarters in 1963 where he worked as Head of Africa Department and head of Political Department.
In 1967, he was posted to Ghana as High Commissioner.
In 1971, he returned to Lagos and was seconded to the Federal Ministry of trade as Permanent Secretary.
In 1973- he was appointed as Ambassador to Ethiopia where he stayed until 1975 when he retired from Civil Service. On retirement, he formed a Construction Company (Rosular Nigeria Limited).
Some of the Jobs of the firm included:
- 6 Houses in Festac Town
- The residence of the Commissioner of Police Akure
- Police houses in Ado-Ekiti
- Military Barracks in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
Ambassador Victor Adegoroye will be dearly missed by family and friends.
Memory wall
20 tributes have been left in memory of Ambassador Victor Adegoroye.
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My dear husband, Words cannot describe how great a loss your passing is. Nor can words describe how wonderful and loving a partner you have been. I will miss you dearly but I know that God has taken you to a better place. Thank you for being the most wonderful husband, father and friend. Rest in perfect peace. Love you always, Lizzy
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This tribute is to my very special Uncle (Baba Nike). I did not get to spend as much time as I would have wished with him, but the little time we spent together was joyful and fulfilling. Uncle told many interesting stories and was a fountain of information, knowledge and sound advice. He always made me feel very welcome and loved. As I grew older I realized how precious these times together were. I thank God for our interactions. It was a privilege to have shared in his journey. Adios dear Uncle! You will be missed but fondly remembered! Arinade Kolawole née Adegoroye.
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The news of Daddy's demise came like it never really happened. He was in every sense a Diplomat to the core, always ready to entertain and very hospitable, a good listener and without any doubt, a blessed man. At the tender age of 90+ he had an amazing strength and full of life. Just remembering how gallantly he walked his Princess Vivian down to the Alter to be given in marriage to Tayo only last October must have been one of the greatest moments for him. We love you and wish we could all still have you be with us for much longer. May your gentle soul rest in peace. Mrs.Funto Sonaiya
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TRIBUTE TO UNCLE VICTOR ADEYEYE ADEGOROYE My earliest memories of this enigmatic personality was his smile and zest for life. He appeared very concise in his speech and effusively consistent in his gifts ‘laden’ visits especially during festive occasions. As I grew older, I determined to get to know my cousins and began to visit ‘Baba Nike’s’ (as we fondly remembered him) very beautiful home at Victoria Island. I was very courteously treated and was always welcomed with gracious hospitality by Uncle Victor and encouraged to work hard and excel in everything I do. I became closer to both ’Tolu and ’Sola at this period. One very significant episode in my life appears to have given me a glimpse into his life, values, and impact. It would appear that uncle ’Yeye was very principled, and ethically firm and must have impacted many as he served in the Federal Civil Service. I was a fresh graduate and having completed the National Youth Service, I applied for a Federal Government employment post, coincidentally, in the Ministry of External Affairs. The senior civil servants that conducted the interview on that fateful day in 1983 appeared very eager to know from which Adegoroye family I had ‘descended.’ I was initially not sure of what had prompted the question and was a little cautious. The effect however on the panel of examiners when I mentioned his name and position in the External Affairs Ministry was like a bolt of electrical energy had been released in the room. A man who can have this effect must have lived life on a higher plane than most of his contemporaries. This incident largely illuminated his seeming ‘pessimism’ concerning human nature and behaviour that I perceived with my young and impressionable mind during our brief times together in my late adolescence in 1976. As Adegoroyes, we bask in the dignity and impact Uncle ’Yeye achieved in life and are motivated to set an example of excellence in service for our generation and the future generations. ’Biodun Adegoroye
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I first met Daddy Adegoroye at Vivian’s niece’s traditional wedding in Lagos in December 2015. Vivian and I had just started dating then and we were initially seated on different tables to Vivian’s parents. He was part of the family members participating in the ceremony and we were further back which I was very happy with. Vivian then found the right time for us to go and greet him and Mummy Adegoroye. My plan was simple, meet and greet Vivian’s parents and race back to our seats! I was intimidated by his presence and wasn’t as composed as I would have liked greeting him for the first time. Immediately after meeting him space was created for Vivian and I to sit on the same table as him and I prayed to God to give me wisdom not to say or do anything embarrassing. God heard my prayers and from the first time we met our relationship grew very quickly and he made me feel welcome from that point on. I had the privilege of spending time with Daddy Adegoroye and I can only describe him as a God fearing distinguished gentleman, the definition of humility in spite of having the kind of highly successful career that many would shout about from any available rooftop. He was a man of principle and believed in the virtues of hard work paying off and staying on the straight and narrow path against all odds. He was very kind and always warm to me. Throughout our wedding preparations he was actively involved in every aspect of the planning process when he didn’t need to be. He did everything in his power to make our wedding the glorious and most memorable occasion that it was and I thank you Sir for that. Age was only a number for him it was never a barrier mentally or physically. I would argue he was as fit as me at my age! I was amazed at how strong he was and how in fantastic shape he was. We had many insightful conversations over Commodore specials (his cocktail of choice) about Nigeria as we both shared an Economics background and he told many stories about his experiences working in the Ministry of Trade in the 60s if memory serves me correctly and I was fascinated by his diplomatic journey and where his work took him. He also had a great sense of humour which only made him more human and endearing. Most important to me is he gave me the best and most precious gift that I could ever receive by giving me his blessing to marry his daughter my beautiful and wonderful wife Vivian which I will forever be indebted to him for. His laughter was contagious and I am glad that he had cause to laugh and experience joy up until God called him home to be with Him in heaven. You will be sorely missed Daddy Adegoroye I love you, I thank you for everything you did for Vivian and I and I will continue to take the responsibility you placed on me very seriously to love and protect Vivian and be there for Mummy Adegoroye, my siblings in law and the family. May God welcome you with open arms and may your soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus Name Amen
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A Tribute to My Father - Ambassador Victor A. Adegoroye I remember daddy from my youth as an energetic and fun-loving father who exposed us to many educational experiences through travel, watching the early evening news, reading Newsweek magazine, eating at restaurants from different cultures, and the many intellectual conversations about international affairs, economics, politics and social issues. He was insistent that we all learn how to swim at a young age, and took pride in taking us in turn to official engagements which gave us a peek into his official life. He was not perfect as nobody is but he poured into our lives in many meaningful ways. I last saw him in January 1, 2018, and though grown much in age was still strong and coherent with his copy of ‘Open Heavens’ by his side. I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace. Amen. Tolu Peters (Mrs.)
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OF ALL THAT I HAVE SEEN WONDERS AND THUNDERS, NONE LIKE MY UNCLE VICTOR FROM THE LOW LANDS ORPHANS AT THREE; YET DESTINED TO ACHIEVE GREATNESS IN LIFE A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE IN SERVICE TO FAMILY AND COUNTRY SHINNING FORTH WITH MODESTY INTEGRITY AND LOVE FOR ALL. ALWAYS SMILING AND GOOD NATURED; A CONSUMATE ADMINISTRATOR, A WORTHY AMBASSADOR OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, A PRINCE OF THE ODUDUN RULING HOUSE OF AKURE AND A NOBLE NIGERIAN. I SHALL CHERISH THE MOMENTS THAT WE SHARED. MAY YOUR SOUL REPOSE WITH THE LORD IN ETERNAL PEACE. DR DELE ADEGOROYE
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TRIBUTE TO UNCLE VICTOR ADEYEYE ADEGOROYE My memories about my uncle are in two parts. First of all when we were very young, I used to look forward to his rare visits to us. I was sure to receive goodies and some money especially around Christmas. I appreciated his encouragements to work hard to get good results at school. He always looked distinguished and jovial, you had to love him. Of course the whole family was always excited about his short visits because he had a good word and something for everyone. I was equally eager to visit my cousins at the Ikoyi house where we would play in the big garden. The second part of our relationship was much later. It started with an improvised visit to him in London with my boys and some friends on a new year’s day 9 years ago. I was very captivated by the man I saw. You couldn’t guess his age; he could still read without glasses! I was very impressed with the sharpness of his mind and the clearness of his views. He was able to take you on any discussion: financial, societal or political. He loved to talk about world affairs and was particularly perspicacious about the manoeuvres of the political figures especially the Nigerians. He kept himself up to date and was aware of everything, very impressive. Invariably, you felt nice in his company because he was able to meet you on any grounds as long as you were willing to discuss the subject. He made you feel comfortable, and at home. You become knowledgeable about world matters with his insight and very shrewd analysis of complex situations. He seemed to bring the best out of you. We will discuss French politics, economy and strategies; while sipping old single malt whisky and enjoying quality red wine. Uncle was like that, cheerful; he enjoyed life, good food and good company. He made the best of every situation. He made you feel like an old friend. He loved music, and that, I discovered inadvertently one of the times we paid him a visit in Lagos. His old sound system was faulty and he missed the music he was used to. I felt a need to do something about it and by God’s grace I was able to repair the system. It was much later that Vivian told me how happy he was to be able to enjoy his favourite tracks and artists again. That was a particular experience of God’s grace in our relationship. He detested corruption and injustice. He would fight relentlessly whatever he believed was wrong, a true man of God even though he was quite discreet about that aspect. He was very loving and protective of his children and would do anything in his power to help them succeed. Without any doubt he was a good father and family man. He was a great source of positive inspiration to anyone around him. He believed in you and would encourage you to give your best to any challenge in your life. He was very optimistic about life in general; he kept on going about the education of his children, family matters and property as if he was immortal. All in all, the time I spent with him was relatively very short but extremely rich in what we shared. I just felt irresistibly drawn to him. In many ways I was touched by this great man who lived a simple life and had a way of making you feel important. I will always cherish his memory. Adekunle Philip ADEGOROYE
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My dear Brother, rest has come at last to the valiant warrior, the fate of all mortals. Yours was a productive and active life worthy of a hero and prince that you were. That the creator called you at the ripe old age of 93 to himself is a fulfilment of His will and that He did on the significant date of the 1st of April, the holy Sunday of Easter. Friends, relations, colleagues and admirers will miss you, but cannot complain. Your whole life was service to the nation and your generation. A Scion of a prominent Akure ruling house, you never wore the badge of royalty on your sleeves as some would do. You rather chose the path of hard work, self-help, discipline, diligence and perseverance, qualities which enabled you to play your role at every stage with honour and dignity - first as a school boy in famous Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, where you were among the first set of boys to pass the Senior Cambridge School Certificate Examination. That was in 1945. After a short stint in the office of the District Officer in Ondo, you crossed over to London where you studied Economics. Thanks to your God given resourcefulness, you were able to pay your way through University of London. Fortune brought us together, when in 1958 you joined the embryo Foreign Service along with 7 other colleagues, the second set of pioneers of the Service. I had no doubt in my mind from the very first moment of our meeting that I had met a brother and a friend. What great moments we shared in Paris, Munich and Bad Aiblin while you were doing German Language Training. Those were the days. Thereafter you served with distinction in London, Bonn, Moscow and later as High Commissioner in Accra and Lome and Ambassador in Ethiopia. In the Ministry in Lagos, you left your mark as Head of Africa Division, a hot seat that angels feared to tread. You were also seconded for a short period to the Home Service as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Trade, a duty you performed with characteristic efficiency. My admiration and respect for this great man never waned these 60 years. We will miss you Ambassador Adeyeye Adegoroye. We will continue to remember you as a fearless defender of just causes. Your performance in and out of office attest to this. In retirement, you were a distinguished member of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria. You were also a past President and until your demise, a Trustee of the Association. What more can a mortal desire beyond a successful career in the nation’s public service ending with the exalted rank of Ambassador Plenipotentiary, an admirable life of bliss in dignified and active retirement surrounded by loving and successful children, crowned with a stainless reputation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the famiy who must sorely miss their pater familias. Adieu, Egin Yeye, may your noble soul rest in perfect peace. Tribute by Ambassador Tayo Ogunsulire
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Dear Uncle, You were kind and gentle and your love for your extended family was exemplary. You loved Ajoke, my mother, and her name opened the door way of your heart to me, an unfamiliar fatherless young boy and you gave my first ever job that by the grace of Almighty God gave me a lift to who I am today. You visited me with admiration and commendation when I built my first house in a fairly remote part of Lagos. And few months before your glorious exit you were at my son’s wedding for two days. Your love towards me would be difficult to forget and may your good works from such a noble and kind heart continue to endure until the Lord’s RETURN. Olakunle Ekundayo
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MEMORIES OF DADDY - My memories of Daddy define who he was I remember him..... Playing with us on Sundays in the swimming pool at Ikoyi hotel. Seldom Shouting on us. Mummy was the disciplinarian at home. Hosting numerous cocktail parties and dinners with Mummy on the diplomatic circuit. We the children had fun drinking lots of Fanta and Coca-Cola. His leadership and quiet diplomacy during the tense period in Ghana in 1969 when Nigerians were expelled from the country. Sharing with me his knowledge of Economics when I was introduced to this subject in form 4 at Queens College and fell in love with it. Insisting that he wanted me to study Medicine; he thought my future would be more secure as a doctor. As I had his stubborn trait I still went ahead to study Economics. His commitment to educate all his children ‘Education is the best legacy ‘ he would say. His love for classical music and the music of Miriam Makeba. The difficult times when Daddy and Mummy separated. Giving me away on my wedding day. He walked all his daughters down the aisle. His love for Open Heavens ( a daily devotional written by Pastor E A Adeboye of The RCCG) in his latter days. He wanted several copies so he could keep a copy each in Lagos, London and the US. His interest in current affairs , the Nigerian economy and African affairs. Whenever I visited he would discuss these issues comparing them to his days in public service. Calling him on his birthday on 01 March 2018 and his words ‘Thank you for remembering me’ Thank you Daddy for your wisdom, counsel prayers and legacy of quiet diplomacy. Thank you My FATHER for the gift of an earthly father. THANK YOU JESUS. Sola David-Borha (Nee Adegoroye)
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Dad, I still cannot believe the news of your passing. You are going to be sorely missed. You are a good man and an example to all of us. You worked very hard and built yourself up from hard and humble beginnings to the man you are today. You have always been supportive and understanding which made you a great father. You did the best you could for everyone around you, especially your family. We are extremely grateful for you. Rest in perfect peace Dad. I love you. Your son, Victor Junior
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My darling Daddy, It has been difficult trying to write a tribute to you because in my heart I do not think there are any words that can describe how wonderful you are, how much I love you or how much I am going to miss you. No tribute can do justice to who you are and the impact you have had on all of us. Instead, I want to say thank you for being a perfect father. I really do mean perfect! You have been much more than I could have ever asked for. I feel so blessed and privileged that such a great and wonderful man is my Daddy! You have always made me feel so loved and that feeling still has not wavered, even today. I know it never will. Thank you for everything you have taught me. You have taught me to be self sufficient, hardworking and motivated. Thank you for teaching me to love myself and not covet what anyone else has. You have made me more than content with the woman your influence has helped me become today. Thank you for teaching me how to love others unconditionally and that patience is a virtue. Thank you for teaching me how important it is to have a relationship with God and how all things come from God. Thank you for staying with us for so long and walking me down the aisle! 93 is just phenomenal! God just favours you so much! You walked so fast that I had to keep up!! Thank you for dancing with me! I will never forget how we danced. I cried like a baby and you had the most beautiful smile that day. I also remember how you smiled at my Introduction. Thank you for always entertaining my bad jokes and for letting me call you “Gugu” no matter how old I am. Thank you for always entertaining my silly behaviour and letting me jump over the couch to kiss you. Thank you for playing the hand slapping game with me - I really still don’t understand how you always won. Thank you for always providing for us and never letting me lack. There is nothing in this world I have wanted that you haven’t given me. Thank you for never letting me down. Thank you for putting me through school, university, my masters and my LPC! You just keep giving. Thank you for making sure that I will always be able to stand on my two feet! Thank you for giving me permission to be myself. You have never made me hide who I am no matter how opinionated I am! Thank you for not judging me and for always making me feel precious. Thank you for getting me music and piano lessons! Thank you for listening to me sing the same song over and over again because I would always get the piano accompaniment wrong! Thank you for making me feel appreciated. Thank you for helping me find my purpose. Daddy, I am just so grateful for who you are. I pray that Tayo and I grow up to be like you. I pray that we have your heart and that we are as patient as you. I pray that we have a long and happy marriage like you and mummy! That we are life partners and always enjoy each other’s company! I cannot even begin to talk about how kind you are and how you were always considering those who were in need. I have heard so many stories and seen on many occasions your endless kindness. No matter what you had, you always gave. Thank you for teaching me the importance of kindness and empathy. Thank you for teaching me that it is important to forgive and move on. Thank you for giving me strength to get through this challenging period. I know that God and you are holding me up. I pray that Tayo & I age like you and that we are as strong, and healthy as you are. You never taught me to give up so we will not give up now. Thank you for teaching me the Lord’s Prayer. I remember how small I was when you would tuck me into bed pray with me. I also remember how, without fail, the first thing you would do every morning is read your devotional and bibles passages. I will never let your legacy be forgotten and I will inspire people with stories about you. I find peace in the fact that God took you home peacefully. God loves you so much that He called you Home. I wish you were still here but God knows best. I know that I will see you again in heaven soon because God promises it and God does not lie. You are just sleeping peacefully now. I pray that you visit me in my dreams every night. I honour you not only because you are my father but because you are a phenomenal man! Your light shines so bright! If Tayo and I become half of the person you are, we will have done great things in this life. I will not let you down Gugu. You will always live in my heart and in my thoughts. I pray that everything I do in this life honours you and God. May God comfort all of us who are mourning and mend our broken hearts, in Jesus name, amen. I love you with all my heart and everything that is in me! This is not a goodbye but a see you soon! Your princess, Vivian
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A candle was lit in memory.
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Hard to put into words the effect you've had on my life by being Vivian's father. Since meeting Vivian, you and mummy also became my surrogate parents standing in whenever my parents are away. Thank you for being such an amazing father to the both of us and teaching us important life lessons particularly on faith and forgiveness. Your legacy lives on through all of your children especially Vivian who is very much like you in character. Sleep peacefully Daddy Adegoroye, we will all take care of mummy and I will take care of my "twin" Vivian.
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