On September 3, 1915, Gbadamosi Adegoke Adelabu was born at Oke Oluokun, Ibadan, into a respected family during the era of British colonial rule.
After attending Ibadan Grammar School, Adelabu first made his mark as a successful businessman before moving fully into politics. His political journey began in Ibadan municipal politics. In 1951, he founded the Ibadan People’s Party. He later joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, NCNC, before becoming Deputy Leader of the Action Group in the Western Region House of Assembly.
Widely known as “Adelabu Penkelemesi,” he rose to become one of Ibadan’s most influential political figures in the late colonial and early post-independence period.
The nickname came from a famous slip during a parliamentary debate. While describing a government situation as a “peculiar mess,” he pronounced it “penkelemesi.” The word stuck and became part of Nigerian political folklore.
As Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Adelabu was known for fiery speeches, strong grassroots mobilization, and a relentless push for self-government. He championed education, market reforms, and greater autonomy for Ibadan within the region.
He died in a car accident in 1958 at age 43, just a year before Nigeria’s independence. His death was mourned across the West, and his legacy as a fearless Ibadan voice remains strong to this day.
32 Travellers Abducted on Benin-Ifon Road, Ondo State
On September 3, 2022, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted 32 travellers along the Benin-Ifon road in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to security sources, the victims were returning from a burial ceremony in Edo State when they were intercepted in a coaster bus. The gunmen emerged from the bush, fired shots into the air, and forced all passengers into the forest.
SP Funmilayo Odunlami, Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the incident to Channels Television. She said one victim had been rescued and was assisting police with information to aid the rescue of the others.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun Corps, said a joint operation with the police, DSS, and the Nigerian Army was underway in the Benin-Ifon to Owo forest.
“We will do all within our power to rescue the victims and rid the state of criminals,” Adeleye stated.
