The late Chief Lamidi Adedibu was a god in Molete. A descendant of the Olupoyi chieftaincy ruling house who earned his esteemed title through his significant influence and contributions. Adedibu’s reputation was not merely due to his residence near the well-known flyover at Molete; rather, he was seen as an oracle who could discern everything happening in the area from his grand sitting room. He was a pioneer of “Amala politics” and emerged as a leading figure in Ibadan’s political landscape, as well as in Oyo as a whole.
Adedibu was well-known for two principal aspects of his life: philanthropy and politics. Although his methods of giving and engaging in political activities were often controversial, he was respected and admired for his political insight and generosity. His ‘Molete home’ served as a refuge for impoverished, vulnerable, and underprivileged individuals in Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria, and Ede, resembling a Mecca or Jerusalem for those in need.
Adedibu’s generosity was a type of political philanthropy or charity. Critics argue that you cannot work for those who impoverish others while collecting money from them to support their victims. They coined the phrase “robbing Peter to pay Paul” to describe his approach to philanthropy. Accusations against him included enabling and promoting political thuggery and exploiting young people—who should be in school or learning a trade—by using them as thugs to further his political goals.
Adedibu was truly a tough and demanding man; he was a kingmaker in the politics of Ibadan and Oyo State. To him, power was something to be seized. During his time as a prominent figure in Ibadan politics, he elevated those who came to his Molete residence to worship him—transforming them into councilors, chairpersons, assembly members, federal legislators, and even governors.
His belief was that the outcome mattered more than the process. Those who criticized Adedibu for being stubborn and demanding often found themselves retreating to the corners of their rooms, admiring his political prowess, or even going to his room at night to seek his favor.
There is a story that I have not personally confirmed, but it goes like this: a man sought political favor and confessed that he could neither read nor write. He begged to be appointed to the Local Government (LG) board, but his plea was initially ignored. Baba Adedibu reportedly asked him if he could sign his name, to which the man nodded yes. This marked the beginning of his journey to become a council chairman in Oyo State.
There are intriguing and remarkable stories about the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu in the public domain. His influence as a kingmaker in Oyo politics and his involvement in the electoral victory and subsequent impeachment of Senator Rasheed Ladoja highlight his significant political history. It is fair to say that the history of politics in Oyo State is incomplete without recognizing the contributions of the late Chief Adedibu.
A renowned Nigerian musician and oral poet, Odolaye Aremu, in one of his songs titled “Olowo Mowe,” described the late Adedibu as “Ida meji Ibadan ti won pe lenikan soso.” He further characterized him as “Okan soso ajanaku ti mi igbo kiji kiji,” adding that “eni o mo oriki Adedibu, lo mo oriki ti Sango je,” which suggests that those who know Adedibu’s praise names also understand the praise names of Sango.
“Iku ti n jagbe mo ni ko to pa ni. Ara mo ka ti n dun to jo te run. Omo Abidemi loja Oba, Akanji to tori ikoko efa. O ran omo lasa ni Kaduna, Oko Bose. O to ri isana o fi omo igbale sanra. Ika Aje Oloju eeyin ti n pon tuberose. Oso omo Oso, Ika omo Ika. Aje ti n ra ja ti n bere eni. Awon keni mo ni so Ole di alagbara. Ejo San won, won si yo ro bogun. Alhaji Adedibu ni gboro Ibadan. OOni be nile won o gbo.”
“Eegun seri soso yana Olohun ni pe ko yeni. Iku ti n meja kako oko mi, aseni bani daro oko mi. Ajeni lowo ma se sin oko mi. Ota tanta ti fowo alaseju gbale. O ni kan ko, adedibu gba. O larin Ibadan, o kadiye bo bi omo onise nla. O ta, o ra, o si ji, o gbe. Won o si bo o. Agbako ni adiye se. Ta ni tun da bi ta modo leyin. Alhaji Adedibu, ta lo lohun o gba ti e. Igba ti a bi Tani tan, LA bi tan ni. Akanji, o mo je ki won fi owo LA le le o lowo.”
“Saare Baba re agba, to fi iku gbagbe iponju. Ko ni je won bo o ni gba to soro. Saare Baba mi agba, ko ni je ki o ran ni simi ni gba ti mi o le korin. Ojo kan ojo kan ti mo n ku ni Ibadan, ni molete, Adedibu ni. Ala bon bo pataki ti n ku ni oju orun bonbo.”
“Oje gba oro o tan. Alhaji Adedibu, o je gba oro pin. Akanji ti n gba pon meji ninu Toro. Kilode. Oni gbonjo gbonjo aarin Ibadan, Oluweli ona Eko. Organize ko fayati. Ija onija ni di ti re. Olorun mo te o. Adedibu, Olorun mo mu o. Olohun mo le o laye Baba re. Babami Akanji Alaya to le gbe Ile n la.”
Here is a brief profile of the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, the strongman of Ibadan politics.
Lamidi Adedibu was a prominent Nigerian politician and power broker from Oyo State. He was born on October 24, 1927, in Ibadan. Adedibu gained recognition in the 1950s as a member of the Ibadan People’s Party before joining the Action Group led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His political career spanned several decades, during which he played a significant role in shaping the politics of both Oyo State and Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Adedibu was born into the Olupoyi chieftaincy ruling house in Ibadan. Although details about his parents and siblings are scarce, his father encouraged his sons to pursue education. Adedibu’s educational background is unclear.
Political Career
Adedibu’s political career was characterized by a combination of populism and blatant thuggery, which earned him the nickname “Strongman of Ibadan Politics.” He played a significant role in the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and later the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he supported prominent politicians such as Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. Adedibu’s influence extended to the installation and removal of elected officials, including Governor Rasheed Ladoja. He helped elect Ladoja in 2003 but later orchestrated his impeachment.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Adedibu was well-known for his philanthropic efforts, often providing financial support to those in need. His home in Molete, Ibadan, served as a hub for political activity and charity, where he distributed food and other essential items to the less fortunate. This earned him a reputation as a “Robin Hood” figure, although his methods were often controversial.
Personal Life
Adedibu married multiple times, and reports indicate that he had as many as eight wives and nearly 20 children. His son, Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu, was elected senator for Oyo South in 2007. Adedibu passed away on June 11, 2008, at the age of 80.
Notable Achievements
He played a significant role in shaping the politics of Oyo State. He influenced the elections of several politicians, including Governor Rasheed Ladoja.
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