Lamidi Ariyibi Akanji Adedibu (1927 - 2008)

Populist Politician

He was a major power broker in Nigerian politics and one of the founding members of @OfficialPDPNig

Source: Wikipedia

He born on October 24, 1927 at Oja-Oba, Ibadan, a member of the Olupoyi chieftaincy ruling house.

In the 1950s, he was one of the founders of the Ibadan People's Party, and later he, joined the Action Group under Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was also a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) led by Chiefs Adisa Akinloye and Richard Akinjide.

He became an increasing force in politics during the military reign of General Ibrahim Babangida, where he backed the candidature of Major General Shehu Musa Yar'adua in the Social Democratic Party.

It was said that nobody assumed any political post in Oyo state without Adedibu's approval, leading to him being called "the strong man of Ibadan politics". His son, Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu, was elected Senator for Oyo South in April 2007.

@teslimkfolarin , elected to the Senate for Oyo Central was his protégé. Rasheed Ladoja, who became governor of the state in May 2003, was another protégé, although by August 2004, Ladoja and Adedibu were locked in a fierce struggle over allocation of government appointees.

Adedibu died at the University College Hospital in Ibadan on 11th June, 2008.