The controversy surrounding the omission of the late Ibadan political strongman, Lamidi Ariyibi Akanji Adedibu, from the list of honourees at the recent Oyo State at 50 celebration may be far from over.
His eldest son, Abas Aderemi Adedibu, has vowed to secure the recognition he believes his father deserves.
Speaking in a private chat with Frontline News in Ibadan, Prof. Adedibu reacted strongly to the omission, declaring pointedly: “I know what to do to get what I want, but I won’t tell you.”
He was referring to an earlier letter addressed to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Saheed Fijabi, which he said received no response or corrective action.
“An Omission That Should Never Have Happened”
Prof. Adedibu criticised Fijabi over what he described as a surprising and disappointing oversight, especially considering what he called the long-standing relationship between the Adedibu and Fijabi families.
“His father is my junior brother and he’s like a son to me,” he said, expressing disbelief that such an omission could occur under Fijabi’s watch.
According to him, his father was not the only prominent Ibadan figure left out. He noted that respected figures such as:Adisa Akinloye,Richard Akinjide and Lanlehin were also excluded from the award list despite their significant contributions to Oyo State’s political development.
However, he questioned why the father of the Planning Committee Chairman made the list.
“What did his own father do that qualified him more than any of those great names omitted?” Prof. Adedibu asked. “That simply showed the level of his capacity.”
Defending the ‘Molete Political School’ Legacy
The Adedibu scion singled out three political associates of his late father :
Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja,Ayodele Aderemi, andAdemola Ige,
describing them as true graduates of the famed Molete political school, where his father once held sway.
He praised them as loyal disciples who have remained committed to the family, while maintaining that none has been able to fill the enormous political vacuum left behind.
“The shoes my father left behind are too big for anyone to wear,” he said.
A Philosophy of Welfarism and Open Transparency
Prof. Adedibu painted a vivid picture of his father’s political philosophy, which he described as rooted in welfarism, generosity and transparency.
According to him, the late political leader would secure contracts and spend his earnings sponsoring political candidates and supporting loyalists.
“If a contestant brought money to my father, he would not take it into his room. He would place it openly on the table for everyone to see,” he recalled.
He added that the money would often be redistributed immediately to supporters ; paying house rents, settling school fees, and assisting those in need.
“Where is such transparency today?” he queried. “Where is such concern for the wellbeing of the people?”
He argued that if contemporary leaders embraced similar values, many of the socio-economic challenges confronting citizens today might not be as severe.
With his defiant declaration that he knows how to secure his father’s honour, the younger Adedibu has signalled that the debate over recognition at Oyo State’s golden jubilee is far from settled.