Bolaji Akinyemi Was Thorn in Abacha’s Flesh; Tinubu Says of Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister at 80

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Bolaji Akinyemi, has been described as a thorn in the flesh of the late dictator, Sanni Abacha.
Bola Tinubu, Lagos State former Governor, while eulogizing Akinyemi on Monday, said he contributed to the socio-political developments in the country and to democracy and good governance.
A statement by Tinubu’s Media office, which was signed by his aide, Tunde Rahman, said, “Erudite scholar, author, diplomat, pro-democracy activist and committed progressive, Prof. Akinyemi has done a lot for this country.
“That he has contributed immensely to the socio-political development of Nigeria and to democracy and good governance is evident enough in his trajectory.”
He reminded Nigerians that Akinyemi, at 33, had been appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs and in 1985, and at 43, had emerged Nigeria’s External Affairs Minister.
“Easily one of the best the country has produced in that office till date, his two years in office were significant as they represented some of the country’s best moments in international relations.
“Prof. Akinyemi also played active part in the country’s pro-democracy struggle and he has remain till date a key partner in our progressive front.
“I vividly recalls his role in NADECO. He was a thorn in the flesh of the Abacha regime. He also helped to give scholarly support to the coalition.
“Rich in experience, wisdom and knowledge, Prof. Akinyemi is today an important elder-statesman. His wise counsel is being sought after locally and abroad,” Tinubu said.