The Sun News On-line

Notable Nigerians on Wednesday mourned the death of the strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole described the death of Adedibu as a rude shock.

Bankole in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media Affairs), Mr. Kayode Akinmade said the late politician would be remembered for his grassroots politics, which, he said, endeared him to the down trodden in Oyo State.

He described the late politician as a loyal party man whose style of politics attracted to him many friends and foes.
The Speaker further commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, Chief Akala, the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State and the South West.

Oyo State Governor Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala is in France on the entourage of President Umaru Yar’Adua, but he’s making frantic effort to return to the country to meet the burial slated for tomorrow.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Communication, Dotun Oyelade, Alao-Akala described Adedibu as belonging to that uncommon specie of politicians who only come in a life-time.
“Adebidu is irreplaceable,” Oyelade said.
Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, also described the death of Alhaji Adedibu as a great loss and the end of an era.

Prince Oyinlola, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media) and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, noted that Alhaji Adedibu’s death has left a great vacuum in the politics of Yoruba land and that his position would be difficult to fill.
The governor, who is out of the country, further stated that throughout the over 50 years of Alhaji Adedibu’s political life, he displayed rare courage and very strong passion for whatever he believed in.
Alhaji Adedibu, according to Prince Oyinlola, “was a colossus among men, one who would call a spade by no other name. He was a practical politician who not only knew what power meant but also knew how to get and retain it. He was not a leader without followers. He had millions of followers across the country and strove to keep them.

“He has done his best and he gave his very best. We thank God for his life, especially given the long life he was blessed with. He will be missed by all”, Prince Oyinlola declared.
Governor Oyinlola, while praying for the repose of his soul, also prayed God to grant his biological and political family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Also, the Alliance for Democracy (AC), in its reaction to his death said, “Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu has redefined the politics of Oyo State and to some extent, the politics of the South West.
In his reaction, Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dan Aigbabvoa, described the demise of the Ibadan strongman as a sad loss to his immediate family, Oyo State, PDP and indeed, the nation.
“On behalf of the entire people of Edo State, I heartily condole with the people of Oyo State on the death of their illustrious son and political icon. The nation will, no doubt, miss his political acumen,” Osunbor said.

Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Action Congress (AC) was of the impression that “with his demise, the politics of Oyo State might not be the same again,” praying for peaceful repose of his soul.
While the former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, wished the family of the deceased well and prayed for his soul to rest in perfect peace, the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, described his death as “shocking.”
Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere prayed: “May his soul rest in peace.”

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide, said: “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, national vice chairman, PDP, South West, described his death as disaster to the South-West in the political system, adding, “when Nigeria’s political history is written, without mention of Adedibu, it is not complete.”

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Governor Edo State, exclaimed: “oh my God! It is a pity. First, I have offered my condolence and sympathy to the family. Politically, I am on the political opposite of the spectrum with him.”
Oladipo said the PDP flag would fly at half mast in the South-West geo-political zone for seven days in honour of the departed politician.
Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia State governor, said “Nigeria has lost a great politician. He was a man who warmed the political atmosphere of Nigeria.”

He commiserated with the family and the Oyo State government, saying “Nigeria will miss him.”
Chief Abiola Ogundokun, a prominent politician and publisher of Conscience International Magazine, described the death of Adedibu as the greatest loss to democracy in Nigeria.
According to him, Adedibu cared for the masses and died serving the masses.
He said his opponents did everything to malign him, adding that it was those who didn’t understand him that called him names.

He said: “Nobody can lead without the support of the masses. Adedibu was close to God. It was only those who didn’t know him that called him names.”