The former Deputy Governor and People’s Democratic Party’s Chieftain in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeen Gbolarumi has commiserated with the family of Late Chief Lamidi Adedibu on his 12years remembrance.
In his message, through his Special Assistance on Media and Publicity, Olaniyi Stephen on Thursday, Gbolarumi said, It has been a decade since Chief Lamidi Adedibu was snatched by the cold hands of death. On this day, every year, his image fills our consciousness as a mark of his selflessness, typical modesty, exceptional flair and, left enduring legacies in his devotion to democracy and would be remembered as one who stood on the side of the people, toiling day and night to make their lives better.
“Chief Lamidi Adedibu built strong bridges of hope, love and understanding for which he became a force for national unity and positive change across our blessed land. He had an accommodating spirit and enormous goodwill that secreted a web around our national fault lines to strengthen the bond; thus no doubt left enduring legacies in his wholehearted devotion to the ideals of democracy, respect for peoples’ rights, freedoms and reason for living as well as commitment to the rule of law and laws of equity and justice”. He said.
Recalled, late Chief Lamidi Ariyibi Akanji Adedibu was born on October 24, 1927 at Oja-Oba, Ibadan, a member of the Olupoyi chieftaincy ruling house.
Adedibu entered politics in the 1950s, when he became a member of the Ibadan People’s Party, and then joined the Action Group under Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Later he was a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) led by Chiefs Adisa Akinloye and Richard Akinjide.
He became an increasing force in politics during the military reign of General Ibrahim Babangida, where he backed the candidature of Major General Shehu Musa Yar’adua in the Social Democratic Party together with other politicians such as Babagana Kingibe, Atiku Abubakar and Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila. His brand of politics was described as a blend of populism and raw thuggery that often compelled either violent loyalty or violent opposition.
He died at the University College Hospital in Ibadan on 11 June 2008, leaving the chiefly rank and title of the Ekarun Of Olubadan to be assumed by one of his subordinates in the clan’s royal line of succession.
Gbolarumi said, Adedibu’s place and role would be difficult to fill. “There will be no one to equal his feat in the politics of Ibadan and Oyo State since its creation.
“12 years gone, yet his outstanding leadership & decision-making acumen remains evergreen, Nigerians will never forget the late Adedibu’s undisputable achievements, pro-masses policies & positive stance towards the rule of law. He is greatly missed and I will continue to remember Chief Lamidi Adedibu as a father and boss,” he said.
