- …says late politician made significant contributions to Oyo, Nigeria
The family of the late Ibadan political leader, High Chief Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu, has raised concerns over the omission of his name from the list of personalities recommended for state honours during Oyo State’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The family described the exclusion as a significant oversight and called for an urgent review.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on Award Ceremonies for Important Personalities in Oyo State, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, and signed by the head of the Adedibu family, Prof. Abass Adedibu (JP), the family expressed disappointment that the late politician’s name was missing from the list reportedly submitted to Governor Seyi Makinde.
“It was discovered from the list of awardees recommended to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, that Late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu was missing,” the letter stated.
The family highlighted the late Adedibu’s significant contributions to the political development of Oyo State and Nigeria. They noted his role in the establishment of the Alakia Airport in 1979 and his influence in the political processes surrounding the 1992 primaries involving the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
The letter also recalled recognition by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly described Adedibu as the “Garrison Commander of Nigerian politics.”
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Prof. Abass Adedibu emphasized that such an omission should not have occurred and urged the committee to rectify the oversight by including his name and tendering an official apology to the family.
The Adedibu Dynasty further warned that failure to address the matter promptly could compel the family to escalate the complaint directly to Governor Makinde, questioning the objectivity of the recommendations and the committee’s review process.
The family’s appeal underscores the enduring influence of High Chief Adedibu in the political landscape of Oyo State and the importance of appropriately acknowledging his legacy in state recognitions.