Adedibu: The Garrison Commander of Amala politics

Sunday, June 11, 2023 marked the 15th anniversary of the passing of High Chief Lamidi Ariyibi Akanji Adedibu, commonly known as the 'strongman of Ibadan politics.'

Adedibu popularly known as the 'Garrison Commander' was a well known politician who evoked fear in the hearts of his political foes.

Born on October 24, 1927, Adedibu was an aristocratic power broker and was the man behind the coming to power of some governors in Oyo State always insisting that the governorship is meant for Ibadan indigenes only.

Due to his power and influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure before his sudden death, President Olusegun Obasanjo referred to him as the "Father of the PDP".

He palatial residence at Molete area of Ibadan was known famously for sumptuous daily feedings where politics and issues that has to do with state affairs are discussed over bowls of hot Amala.

So the nickname for his brand of politics; "Amala politics" stuck.

Adedibu known as a political thugs from his younger days in politics was a member of the Action Group, National Party of Nigeria, Social Democratic Party and the PDP.

His son, Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu was a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Oyo South Senatorial District in April, 2007 by influence of his father, Lamidi Adedibu.

He was an Ibadan high chief and he endorsed Rasheed Ladoja to be Governor of Oyo State until both men disagreed which brought Christopher Alao Akala as governor.

Akala as governor, was because it was perceived that Adedibu saw another Ibadan man as Oyo Governor as a threat to his dominance of PDP in the state.

Lamidi Adedibu, Garrison Commande died suddenly on Monday, June 11, 2008 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.



FI