The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has described the State Chief of Protocol to the President, Victor Adekunle Adeleke, as a “redoubtable diplomat with a heart of gold,” praising his professionalism, discretion and dedication to national service.
Oba Owoade gave the commendation in a goodwill message issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, to mark Adeleke’s 59th birthday.
The monarch said the senior diplomat has distinguished himself through years of exemplary service in managing presidential engagements, state functions and high-level diplomatic relations.
According to the Alaafin, Adeleke has continued to uphold the highest standards of protocol and state decorum, ensuring seamless coordination of the President’s domestic and international engagements.
Born in 1967 in Oyo town, Adeleke is an accomplished lawyer and career diplomat who holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991.
He joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1993 and previously served as Assistant Director of Protocol to three former Presidents — Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.
Over the course of his diplomatic career, Adeleke has served in several international postings, including Beijing, Brasilia, Warsaw, London and Dublin.
Before his current appointment, he was Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the African Union (African Union) and Ambassador to Ethiopia.
The Alaafin described him as a proud son of Oyo whose career reflects humility, discipline and commitment to national interest.
“We celebrate not just a birthday, but a remarkable and ever-reliable State Chief of Protocol who consistently places the nation’s interest above all and ensures that every detail is perfectly executed,” the monarch said.
He added that Adeleke remains a source of pride to the Oyo Kingdom and an inspiration to younger generations, noting his continued support for traditional institutions.
“You are indeed a worthy, proud and illustrious son of Oyo… a redoubtable, selfless, amiable, resilient diplomat with a heart of gold,” the Alaafin stated.
The monarch prayed for continued grace, wisdom and strength for the diplomat as he marks another year.
