Dele Cole’s Death Leaves Vacuum In Family, Friends’ Circle Agbahor

Dele Cole’s Death Leaves Vacuum in Family, Friends’ Circle Agbahor

Dr Aghogho Agbahor has expressed deep sadness over the death of veteran Nigerian diplomat, journalist and elder statesman, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing his passing as a painful loss that has left a significant vacuum in his family and among friends. Cole died in London on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of public service, intellectual contributions, diplomacy and enduring personal relationships. Agbahor, who knew the deceased through his father, Engineer Eddy Agbahor, said Cole was a dependable friend who consistently demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare and progress of people around him. In his tribute, Agbahor described the late diplomat as a humble, wise and compassionate individual whose friendship with his father and Uncle Tom Fabyan exemplified loyalty, respect and commitment over several decades. Agbahor said Cole was more than a friend of his father, describing him as a father figure who regularly checked on his welfare, academic progress and personal life. He recalled that whenever they met, Cole would ask about his wellbeing, PhD studies and general progress, often offering encouragement and valuable advice.“You were humble despite all you had achieved. You were wise, calm, full of stories, and always ready with a smile and good advice whenever I met you,” Agbahor said. He added that Cole maintained a personal interest in his academic journey and regretted that the late diplomat died before celebrating the completion of his final academic award. Agbahor said the deceased’s humility, despite his considerable accomplishments in journalism, diplomacy and public service, distinguished him as a man worthy of emulation. Agbahor identified the enduring relationship between Cole, his father and Uncle Tom Fabyan as one of the most significant aspects of the late diplomat’s life. According to him, the three men maintained a strong bond through different seasons of life, standing by one another during both favourable and difficult times. “What I will miss most is the brotherhood you shared with my Dad (Engr Eddy Agbahor) and Uncle Tom Fabyan. In a world where true friendship is scarce, the three of you showed us what loyalty, respect and true friendship look like over decades,” he said. He described their relationship as a valuable legacy for their children and younger generations, stressing that their example demonstrated the importance of trust, mutual support and enduring friendship. Agbahor said Cole’s death had deprived the family of a respected friend and mentor whose presence helped strengthen relationships across generations. Agbahor also praised the late diplomat for the life he lived, the family he raised and the positive influence he had on those who encountered him. He described Cole as a man who served humanity with kindness and earned a reputation that would endure beyond his lifetime. “You came, you saw, and you conquered. You lived a life of impact. You raised wonderful children, you built a good name, and you served humanity with kindness,” he said. Cole occupied prominent positions in Nigerian journalism and diplomacy. He served as managing director of the Daily Times and later represented Nigeria as ambassador to Brazil and Argentina. He was also associated with The Guardian, where he contributed to editorial discussions and public debates on national development, governance and the role of journalism in society. His death has prompted tributes from political leaders, journalists, professional colleagues and organisations that acknowledged his contributions to Nigeria’s public life. Reflecting on the impact of Cole’s passing, Agbahor said the loss extended beyond the immediate family to the wider circle of people who knew, respected and loved him. “Your death has left a big vacuum, not just in your family but in the circle of all who knew and loved you,” he said. On behalf of his father and the entire family, Agbahor thanked Cole for his friendship with Engineer Eddy Agbahor and for the fatherly guidance he extended to younger members of the family. He prayed that God would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest, while giving his children and other bereaved relatives the strength to endure the loss. Agbahor concluded that Cole’s legacy of friendship, integrity, humility and service would remain a source of inspiration to those he left behind.