Lamidi Adedibu finally laid to rest
Ibadan - The former strongman of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, was committed to mother earth at exactly 11.35 a.m, yesterday, at his Molete, Ibadan residence, where for years he installed and pulled down governors and politicians.
It was a day the ancient city of Ibadan stood still. It was also a day Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, known as Tokyo, Adedibu’s die-hard loyalist and NURTW State Chairman directed commercial buses, taxis and commercial motorcyclists (Okada) to withdraw their services between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in honour of the late politician.
Some commercial motorcyclists, who tried to defy the order, were stopped by suspected union officials who poured on the streets to ensure compliance.
This hampered the movement of most commuters who were stranded at bus stops across the city and trekked long distances to their destination. Also, most major markets and shops were shut to honour the dead politician. Markets in Oke-Ado, Agbeni, Ogunpa, and Sango were not opened.
Late Adedibu’s body was taken away from UCH at 9.30 a.m and arrived his residence in Molete at 10.38a.m. As soon as his supporters saw the black jeep ambulance marked “ULTIMATE 1,” it was difficult for the undertakers to bring the casket out because of the surging crowd. The nearby flyover, buildings, shopping complex were filled with people who wanted to confirm if the story was true.
The Oke Ado road was barricaded by policemen. Except some notable politicians, no other person was allowed to drive towards Molete. It was a tug of war for most sympathisers and journalists before they gained entry into the premises of the politician. The main gate that leads to his residence was closed while armed policemen shored people around.
Some who were disallowed entry at the main gate by the combination of mobile and regular policemen scaled the high fence to satisfy their curiosity.
Immediately the transparent casket was brought out from the black jeep at exactly 10.37am, wailing of the people rent the air. All his aides, some legislators, chairmen, and other loyalists could not hold back their tears. About five minutes after the body was laid at the front of the newly-refurbished building, Chief Obasanjo, Alhaji Arisekola, Senator Adedibu and others went there to pay their last respects.
Former President, Chief Obasanjo described the demise of the strongman of Ibadan politics as the end of a glorious and memorable era in the politics of the South-West.
Chief Adedibu died on Wednesday at the University College Hospital after he slumped at the Immigration office in Ibadan. All efforts of the medical practitioners to revive him were futile.
Among the early callers apart from Chief Obasanjo, were his daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello; Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), South-West; Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, former National Vice Chairman of the PDP; Dr Omololu Olunloyo, former Governor of Oyo State; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Salimotu Badru; Gen. Raji Rasaki, former Military Governor of Lagos State; Chief Kolapo Ishola, former Governor of Oyo State; and Yinka Omilani.
Other dignitaries at the burial ceremony were Senator Teslim Folarin, Senate Leader; Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Taofeek Arapaja; Alhaji Lam Adesina, ex-governor of the state; Moruf Atilola, Speaker , Oyo State House of Assembly; Senator Gbenga Babalola, Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Kemi Akala; Senator Lekan Mustafa, Dr. Saka Balogun, Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor; Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinmade; Chief Lekan Alabi, former Media Manager, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Hosea Agboola, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters; Mrs Bose Adedibu, Wife of the deceased; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana represented by his son, Chief Gbade Lana and the representatives of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
But Obasanjo refused to grant any press interview. When asked about the life of the politician, he did not talk, then one of his security men whisked him away.
Chief Obasanjo and his daughter could not wait for the prayers as they both left after, saying a few prayers for where their black jeep marked LAGOS CV 48 APP was parked.
In the sermon delivered by Sheikh Liadi Akilapa, reminded those in attendance to be conscious of the fact that irrespective of the wealth they amassed, they would leave all one day. He asked the crowd where the owner of the expansive compound was as at that time. The question elicited sober response from the sympathizers who hummed in unison.
He cautioned them to be aware that position of honor intoxicates and the person may not be aware until he comes down.
The Chief Imam described late Adedibu as a man who was “born with honor, lived a life of honor, died with honor and celebrated with honor”.
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