Written by Jide Ajani, Political Editor & Ola Ajayi Thursday, 12 June 2008 Page 1 of 3 THE end came yesterday for Chief Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu, known as the strongman of Ibadan politics. Adedibu who was born on October 24, 1927 was 80 years old. He was pronounced Dead On Arrival (DOA) at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan yesterday afternoon.
He had visited Lagos earlier in the day for a routine check up at a high brow hospital on Victoria Island. He returned to Ibadan in the afternoon and headed straight for the Immigrations office where he had an appointment. One of his aides, Mr. Lukman Agboluaje, told Vanguard that it was while Pa Adedibu was going through some paperwork that he slumped. Vanguard gathered that the politician lost consciousness and was rushed to the ICU of the hospital but he died on the way. He was pronounced Dead On Arrival (DOA).
When Vanguard got to the hospital yesterday, many sympathisers wore mournful looks at the entrance of the Intensive Care Department. Most of them were itching to catch a glimpse of him.
At 4.41p.m, his admirers and aides like Azeem Gbolarumi, Nureni Akanbi, Dr. Soji Adejumo, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Chairman of the state Water Corporation, Alhaji Asimiyu Addo, Alhaji Usman Morafa had already gone to the hospital to confirm the news.
Adedibu was reportedly brought to the hospital by Gbolarumi, Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government Area; Demola Omotoso, Vice Chairman of the Muslim Welfare Board; Alhaji Audu Lawal Marafan, and two other security aides.
Security at the UCH
Once it was confirmed that the politician had died, two mobile policemen were stationed at the entrance of the intensive care unit.
When the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mr. Kunle Atinwore, discovered that supporters of the dead politician were trooping into the hospital, he advised that the security be tightened. Later, an official of the State Security Services was seen calling his office to send more men to control the influx of the sympathisers.
Nobody can replace him — OBJ . Former President Olusegun Obasanjo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that 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 just as no one was able to equal the feat of Alhaji Busari Adelakun, alias ‘Eruobodo’. “It is the end of an era,” Obasanjo said, adding: “nobody can replace him.” The former president said Adedibu called him to say hello only two days ago.
His death shocking— Information minister
Also speaking on the death of the strongman of Ibadan politics, Information and Communications Minister, Mr John Odey, said his death was “quite unfortunate; quite shocking. “We remember him as an elder statesman. We also remember his commitment to politics,” Odey added.
He is irreplaceable— Oyo Govt
In his comments, spokesman for Oyo State Governor, Prince Dotun Oyelade, told NAN that Adedibu belonged to that uncommon specie. “They emerge only once in a lifetime.The governor of Oyo State is in France with Mr President and is making frantic efforts to come back home with the next available flight.
‘’Baba is irreplaceable,” Oyelade said of Adedibu. In his tribute to his political mentor, Rep Lanre Agoro (PDP-Oyo), who expressed shock and belief, said he was a phenomenon whose type of politics would be difficult to find.
Mood of people in Ibadan
There was no visible jubilation, but people stood in groups discussing Adedibu’s death. Some who had been inundated with false reports of his death in the past were still skeptical even when it had already been confirmed that the politician was dead.
Molete
At his Molete residence, it was a ghost of itself as the few people who could muster enough courage managed to be there. Traders and other shop owners at Molete closed their shops for fear of being attacked by hoodlums who might want to capitalize on the opportunity to cause trouble.
Olunloyo reacts
Aformer governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo described the late politician as a man who lived well.
He said, “he was a very humorous man who got results from the style of politics he played, though his style of politics may not be elegant and learned. Adedibu had been a challenge. He played his game well.
Many condemned him that he played “amala and gbegiri politics, but the truth of the matter is that if you get to other politicians in Ibadan , they would not even offer you a bowl of amala.
“He died when his adversaries wanted him dead. He had his own weak and strong points. One should thank God for him.
Azeem Gbolarumi, former Deputy Governor
His closest aide, Gbolarumi who he made the Deputy Governor during the controversial impeachment of the last administration was too stunned to make comments. He was seen at the hospital around 4.41pm. He simply said, “there is nothing to say for now”.
Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa
The life of Chief Lamidi Adedibu has confirmed that life, is indeed, transient. May his soul now rest in peace.
Richard Akinjide, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Babatunde Oduyoye, two time member of House of Representatives. End of an era. He had been in politics since the First Republic. My condolence to his family. Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, National Vice Chairman South -West, said to really show respect for the man, the PDP flag would be flown at half mast.
At UCH
Though, his aides were mournful, some people at the hospital were overheard saying thank God. Ibadan will now experience peace with his death. Some were jubilating openly.
While confirming his death, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the College, Dr Adeniyi Adenipekun said the politician died around 3.27 pm. It was reliably gathered that Adedibu died of diabetes-related ailment.
According to Adenipekun, “Adedibu was brought in around 2.30pm, we learnt he was coming from Lagos and he had to branch at the immigration office before coming to UCH. We learnt he slumped at the immigration office and he was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department where we received him because we were told he was being brought.
By the time he was brought in, he was actually lifeless without any pulse but we took him over immediately and we took him to the Intensive care unit where we did every possible resuscitative measure but we were not able to get him back.
Well, since he was not our primary patient, I will not know the cause of his death and again the relations refused post-mortem so I would not know the cause of his death.”
Other people at the hospital were the Speaker of the state assembly, Moruf Atilola and some members of the Assembly; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Razak Gbadegesin,
Burial today
Among those that were seen discussing his burial programme were the Aare of Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja and the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The burial is expected to take place today at his residence at Molete.
Posted: at 12-06-2008 08:42 AM (15 years ago) | Upcoming
amofinagba1 at 12-06-2008 09:26 AM (15 years ago) (m)
WHATEVER YOU SOUL YOU SHALL REAP
Posted: at 12-06-2008 09:26 AM (15 years ago) | Newbie
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE .......................... atleast ibadan molete won`t be rough again and nigeria might be a bit better .................. i heard he was to be buried today @ about 4 o`clock coz it was a bit past four when he died yesterday.
Posted: at 12-06-2008 09:29 AM (15 years ago) | Newbie
hayjay75 at 12-06-2008 11:30 AM (15 years ago) (m)
this is a lesson for every one of us,no matter how strong we are,we will surely die one day.....let us do good,so people can say good things about us....but adedibu dosnt have any fault if we look it from another angle,the majour problem is we nigerians,we are the one spoiling our country,not untill we expect nothing from our leaders and politician than good serving,people like adedibu will always be.let us think well,dont let us sell our vote again and dont let us expect nothing from government than serving us...
Posted: at 12-06-2008 11:30 AM (15 years ago) | Newbie
jimialesh at 12-06-2008 09:33 PM (15 years ago) (m)
Naturally, reactions to his death will be both ways. As a felow human, i sympathise with his family , may his troublesome soul rest in peace. Perfect? Na God sabi dat 1. But for his political activities, I say Good riddance to bad rubbish. The likes of him left should remember that one day, it will all be over. I congratulate the peace loving "Ibadites" for the delivery from the doorstep of political slavery. My prayer is to God to hasten the much anticipated delivery of my own people from a worse instance of slavery in my state (dont ask me which). He is also old and its only a matter of time for nature to take its course. Maybe then we can heave a sigh of relief and begin to have real politics in my state. Goodbye Lord of Amala Politics. Eku ipalemo Lord of Eba & Puff Puff Politics.
Posted: at 12-06-2008 09:33 PM (15 years ago) | Newbie
as humans, we may be quick to judge him considering all the atrocities he committed when he was alive . but hey, who are we to judge ? let God judge him and apportion him a place his deeds have earned him ....molete go quiet some sha !
Posted: at 13-06-2008 08:39 AM (15 years ago) | Newbie
may his soul rest in peace ...........this is lesson to all nigerian........let leave our life as if we are not going to live for the second day...........well adedibu try all is best on earth.........but i jsut want the entire nigerian to no that human want can not me satisfy..........................some people called a bad man while other see him as godfather for tell....................but my own question is that.......what is the gain of a man that gain the world (ibadan) and loos it soul.........if i may ask ?upon adedibu voilence in ibadan he die now without going with any wealth and any gan......................... let the entire nigerian to pray for adedibu so that GOD can have mercy on him and forgive him in all is sin
dahuszla at 13-06-2008 02:06 PM (15 years ago) (m)
death is inevitable like da words of da wise men. the strong man is finally gone so we gat to learn cos wot his left with his da workz of his hands be it good or bad lets not judge til da world endz until then.........i kip my fingerz krossed. the so called strongman,Rest in peace. i hope ibadan can now park up their pieces and pple can also live in peace.... adieu///
Posted: at 13-06-2008 02:06 PM (15 years ago) | Newbie
ayodejianthony at 13-06-2008 02:27 PM (15 years ago) (m)
At last Ibadan can have peace like u said,but does of us here on earth we need to learn from the death of the so called stringman of Ibadan politics,no body can be stronger than death when it comes knocking,so let watch what we do while still alive,cos the comment about the man is not so good by people.But i keep my mouth shut oooooooo.
Posted: at 13-06-2008 02:27 PM (15 years ago) | Newbie
Death is not a purnishment, we all owe death. In democracy everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, in fact possibility that two children could report their father in different ways and another, while some people praises God for rain, some complains of disturbs when it rains, gives a clear-cut understanding of diversity of perception. Not sounding like an agent-provocateur of Adedibu but objectively speaking, without been allowed to be bamboozled by the dogmatic interest of some reporters and political enemies of Baba Adedibu who adopted propaganda as a weapon to blackmail and blacklist him, the political Icon is a representation of vanguard for the grassroots politicians. Unlike other rich-men and politicians who make themselves in-accessible to the common man, Adedibu takes from the rich and give to the poor, Using the grassroot control to get someone to power and simply getting back and continuously too, for constant feeding of the needy and his proponents. Why many widows, orphans and other needy almost cried life out of themselves on the news of Adedibu's death? Many believe a philanthropist like Adedibu is rare, how I wish many politicians could emulate his philantrophic ideals, not even his adversaries could operate an open door policy like him. Adedibu have his politics brewed in oven of reality unlike those who make much noise on ideology without a corresponding impact on the people for which it is meant. Adedibu was indeed a rare gem, a colossus, an enigma and man of exemplary character. May he rest in perfect peace. I know even within his opposition his death is a bitter-sweet as they have one thing or the other to loose for his death. Every Ibadan politician at one time or the other has passed through him for their political tutelage, and they have once at least shared his political philosophy and ideals. Every human being have their positive and excesses, if not negative, May God forgive Adedibu of his excesses. His courage is rare, Ibadan, not just Ibadan, Yoruba race and the entire Nigerian polity will miss him as his vacuum is irreplaceable at the immediate. Even the scriptures says: suspision, insinuations, and belief in propaganda are all sins. Thou shall not judge thy fellow
Posted: at 13-06-2008 06:26 PM (15 years ago) | Newbie
Death is not a purnishment, we all owe death. In democracy everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, in fact possibility that two children could report their father in different ways and another, while some people praises God for rain, some complains of disturbs when it rains, gives a clear-cut understanding of diversity of perception. Not sounding like an agent-provocateur of Adedibu but objectively speaking, without been allowed to be bamboozled by the dogmatic interest of some reporters and political enemies of Baba Adedibu who adopted propaganda as a weapon to blackmail and blacklist him, the political Icon is a representation of vanguard for the grassroots politicians. Unlike other rich-men and politicians who make themselves in-accessible to the common man, Adedibu takes from the rich and give to the poor, Using the grassroot control to get someone to power and simply getting back and continuously too, for constant feeding of the needy and his proponents. Why many widows, orphans and other needy almost cried life out of themselves on the news of Adedibu's death? Many believe a philanthropist like Adedibu is rare, how I wish many politicians could emulate his philantrophic ideals, not even his adversaries could operate an open door policy like him. Adedibu have his politics brewed in oven of reality unlike those who make much noise on ideology without a corresponding impact on the people for which it is meant. Adedibu was indeed a rare gem, a colossus, an enigma and man of exemplary character. May he rest in perfect peace. I know even within his opposition his death is a bitter-sweet as they have one thing or the other to loose for his death. Every Ibadan politician at one time or the other has passed through him for their political tutelage, and they have once at least shared his political philosophy and ideals. Every human being have their positive and excesses, if not negative, May God forgive Adedibu of his excesses. His courage is rare, Ibadan, not just Ibadan, Yoruba race and the entire Nigerian polity will miss him as his vacuum is irreplaceable at the immediate. Even the scriptures says: suspision, insinuations, and belief in propaganda are all sins. Thou shall not judge thy fellow
Posted: at 13-06-2008 06:39 PM (15 years ago) | Newbie
amofinagba1
omolade
ikongbeh2
Olorunfemi
hayjay75
olame4
BAYO001
jimialesh
, may his troublesome soul rest in peace. Perfect? Na God sabi dat 1. But for his political activities, I say Good riddance to bad rubbish. The likes of him left should remember that one day, it will all be over. I congratulate the peace loving "Ibadites" for the delivery from the doorstep of political slavery. My prayer is to God to hasten the much anticipated delivery of my own people from a worse instance of slavery in my state (dont ask me which). He is also old and its only a matter of time for nature to take its course. Maybe then we can heave a sigh of relief and begin to have real politics in my state. 
pjthanni
chukxie
yinx
alobaba
oyinkansola
dahuszla
ayodejianthony
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