Members of the Adedibu Dynasty have raised strong concerns over the exclusion of the late High Chief Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu from the list of personalities selected for recognition as part of activities marking Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, describing the development as a significant oversight that fails to reflect the state’s political history.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chairman of the Award Ceremonies Committee, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, the family called for an immediate review of the list submitted to Governor Seyi Makinde, urging that the late Ibadan political strongman be duly acknowledged for his contributions to the state and the nation.
The letter, signed by Prof. Asiwaju Afeez Aderemi Adedibu, Head of the Adedibu Family, expressed disappointment that the late political leader’s name was absent from the recommended honourees.
“It was discovered from the list of awardees recommended to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Olawale Abiodun Makinde, that Late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu was missing,” the letter stated.
The family emphasized that the omission appeared to reflect a lack of adequate consideration of Adedibu’s historical role and influence in the political development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“It seems to us that you don’t know too much about the history of Late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu and his impact in Oyo State and Nigeria in general,” Prof. Adedibu wrote.
Highlighting some of the late politician’s contributions, the family noted that he supervised the construction of the Alakia Airport in 1979 and played a significant role in national political developments, including being instrumental in the emergence of the late Chief MKO Abiola during the 1992 political process.
They further referenced the recognition he received from prominent national figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who famously described him as the “Garrison Commander of Nigerian politics.”
The family described the omission as an error that should not have occurred, given Adedibu’s influence and legacy.
“I don’t expect that such mistakes should have been committed by your committee. I believe his name should have been included immediately in the list,” the letter added.
The Adedibu Dynasty also disclosed that a copy of the letter had been forwarded to Governor Makinde, urging the state government to reconsider the recommendations and ensure that the late political figure is appropriately honoured.
The appeal comes amid ongoing commemorative activities to celebrate Oyo State at 50, as stakeholders continue to reflect on individuals who shaped the state’s political and developmental journey.
