Political heavyweights and PDP stalwarts turned out in large numbers in Ibadan to honour the late kingmaker of Oyo State politics, Chief Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu.

A monumental figure and a towering godfather of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during his lifetime, Adedibu’s profound influence on the political landscape of both Oyo State and Nigeria remains indisputable.

For nearly a week, the atmosphere in the ancient city of Ibadan has been charged with commemorative events marking eighteen years since the passing of the late political titan.

The remembrance reached a crescendo on Wednesday as political leaders congregated at the Molete residence of the late chief for a solemn prayer session.

A solidarity walk was led by the Oyo PDP governorship candidate, Hazeem Gbolarumi, from his Bodija residence through Beere-Oje, ending at the Molete residence of the late Garrison Commander of Oyo politics.

The atmosphere shifted to a vibrant celebration later in the evening with a social reception headlined by a popular musician.

To deliver the spiritual message for the landmark anniversary of the man widely revered as the “Alaafin of Molete,” organisers invited the renowned Islamic cleric, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold.

In a remembrance sermon, Akewugbagold described Chief Adedibu as an indispensable political force whose deep-rooted legacy spans every corner of the region, asserting that Yoruba politics has never seen a kingmaker or godfather of his calibre.

The tribute was echoed by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, who spoke through Mogaji Basunu, describing Chief Adedibu as a remarkably kind-hearted leader and a courageous high chief whose immense contributions to Ibadanland cannot be erased from history.

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Iba Oluyole and Chief Nureni Akanbi emphasised that the anniversary served a greater purpose: fostering unity among Adedibu’s political followers and ensuring that the rich history and legacy of the late patriarch do not fade away.

Reflecting on the overwhelming turnout, the widow of the late politician, Alhaja Abosede Adedibu, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the family

She noted that the gathering of such high-profile political figures is definitive proof that her late husband’s impact endures in the hearts of the populace.

The event drew a galaxy of prominent political figures, including former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazim Gbolarumi; Senator Kola Balogun; Honourable Akeem Ademola Ige; Chief Saka Adegbite; and Alhaja Tawakalitu Alli, wife of a former APC governorship candidate in Oyo State.

The anniversary concluded with final prayers and an urgent charge to the younger generation to emulate the impactful, welfare-driven, and human-centred political philosophy that Adedibu championed.