The Federal Government has expressed its condolences on the passing of Ambassador Denis Iyortom Ukume, who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire from 1981 to 1984.
Describing him as a “distinguished Nigerian diplomat and a strong proponent of Nigeria’s global outreach in the Second Republic,” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, paid tribute to the late Ambassador’s significant contributions.
In a condolence message to the Ukume family, Akume highlighted Ambassador Ukume’s unique experience during his diplomatic tenure in Côte d’Ivoire.
He recalled the ambassador’s pivotal role in facilitating the return of former Biafran leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu, from exile, stating, “Ambassador Ukume chaperoned a remorseful arch-secessionist, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, back to his fatherland after he was pardoned by President Shehu Shagari.”
Ojukwu, who had been in exile for 12 years, was granted asylum in Côte d’Ivoire on January 11, 1970, by then-President Félix Houphouët. He received a state pardon on May 18, 1982, allowing him to return to Nigeria as a private citizen on June 18, 1982.
Ambassador Ukume, aged 85, died on October 18, 2023, after a brief illness. His funeral was held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in his hometown in Tarka LGA, Benue State.
Known for his literary contributions, Ambassador Ukume authored several books, including “I Believe,” published in 2021, which chronicled his encounters and relationship with Ojukwu in Côte d’Ivoire.
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