The ICRC was very sad to hear of the death of Justice J. A. Adefarasin, President of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from 1977 to 1981 and National President of the Nigerian Red Cross. His election as head of the world federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies marked an important stage in the history of the League, further enhancing the spirit of universality which has inspired its work since 1919.

Judge Adefarasin was also able to give the League the benefit of his long experience in the service of the Red Cross and with his personal qualities of open-mindedness, moderation and altruism set a high example of devotion to the Red Cross ideal.