Oyo Golden Jubilee: Family Protests Late Adedibu’s Exclusion From Awards List

The family of the late Ibadan political leader, High Chief Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu, has raised concerns over the omission of his name from the list of important personalities recommended for state honours during the just-concluded Oyo State’s 50th anniversary.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, and signed by the head of the Adedibu family, Prof. Asiwaju Adedibu (JP), the family expressed disappointment over the exclusion.

“It was discovered from the list of awardees recommended to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, that Late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu was missing,” the letter noted.

The family highlighted the late Adedibu’s key contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria’s political landscape, from his role in establishing Alakia Airport in 1979 to his influence in the 1992 primaries involving the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola. The letter also noted that the late politician was awarded the title of Garrison Commander of Nigerian politics by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“It seems to me that you don’t know much more about the history of late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu on his impact in Oyo State and Nigeria,” Asiwaju Adedibu stated.

He stressed that such an oversight should not have occurred, urging the committee to take immediate corrective action.

“I don’t expect that such a mistake should have been committed by your committee. It’s better you ensure his name is included immediately and apologise to the entire family of late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu.

“Failure to do so, I will send a copy of the letter to His Excellency not to consider your recommendation based on bias,” Asiwaju Adedibu added.