Former Nigerian Ambassador Debo Adesina Battles Massive Stroke In Canada; Family Issues Urgent Appeal As Medical Bills Exceed $205,000
TORONTO, Canada — The family of His Excellency Adebowale (Debo) Adesina, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo and former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian newspaper, has issued an urgent public appeal for financial support as he battles critical health complications following a massive stroke.
Ambassador Adesina travelled to Canada on June 24, 2026, to visit his children. Tragically, on July 9, 2026, he suffered a severe stroke and was rushed to the hospital. He spent over a month in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under an induced coma before being transferred to a general ward on August 11, where he remains under intensive medical supervision.
While doctors report that Adesina is gradually beginning to emerge from the coma, his condition remains very serious.
The prolonged hospitalization has placed an overwhelming financial strain on the family. As of late August 2026, outstanding medical expenses have surpassed CAD $205,000, and costs continue to accumulate daily.
According to his wife, Oluyemisi Debo-Adesina, the hospital has raised serious concerns regarding the continuation of his care unless urgent arrangements are made to address the mounting debt.
“This is not an easy appeal for me to make,” Mrs. Debo-Adesina stated in a heartfelt letter addressed to friends, journalists, diplomats, and professional associates.
“But at a time when every effort counts and every day of medical care matters, I have had to put aside my personal reservations and reach out to the people who have known, worked with, and interacted with my husband over the years.”
Ambassador Adesina is widely respected across Nigeria and the international community for his decades of service in media, public intellectualism, and diplomacy. The family is pleading with the public, colleagues, and well-wishers for any financial contributions to help secure his ongoing, life-saving treatment.
