A veteran Nigerian diplomat, journalist and historian, Dr. Patrick Dele Cole, has died in London at the age of 86.
Reports quoted a family source to have said that the former ambassador died earlier in the morning of Saturday, October 17, following weeks of deteriorating health.
The source revealed that Cole had recently been discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU), but his health had continued to decline.
“He left ICU a few days ago. He had been doing poorly in recent weeks leading to this end,” the family source reportedly added.
Born on August 4, 1940, Cole turned 86 in August, barely two months before his death.
He was widely known for his contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic service, journalism, and historical scholarship, having held several prominent positions throughout his career.
Before entering diplomatic service, Cole established himself in Nigeria’s media industry, serving on the editorial board of The Guardian newspaper and subsequently as managing director of Daily Times, one of the country’s most influential newspapers.
He later represented Nigeria as ambassador to Argentina and Brazil, extending his public service career into international diplomacy.
Beyond his diplomatic assignments, Cole was recognized for his involvement in national discourse, particularly on governance, politics, and Nigeria’s historical development.
His career spanned journalism, public administration, and diplomacy, placing him among a generation of Nigerian public figures who contributed to the country’s political and institutional development.
His death marks the passing of a notable figure whose professional life cut across several important spheres of Nigeria’s public affairs.
The family had not disclosed the details of the funeral arrangements at the time of this report.