Adedibu family protest exclusion of late politician from Oyo State honours list

The family of the Late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu has raised concerns over his omission from the list of awardees recommended to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

In a letter to Hon. Saheed Fijabi, Chairman of the Committee on Award Ceremonies on Important Personalities in Oyo State, Prof. Asiwaju Abass Aderemi Adedibu JP, head of the Adedibu family, described the oversight as “unacceptable” and demanded immediate inclusion of the late chief’s name.

The letter highlighted the late politician’s notable contributions, including his role in establishing Alakia Airport in 1979, his involvement in the primary election victory of the late MKO Abiola in Jos, Plateau State in 1992, and his recognition as the “Garrison Commander of Nigerian politics” by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Prof. Adedibu urged the committee to correct the error and apologise to the family, warning that failure to do so would compel him to escalate the matter to the governor, questioning the integrity of the committee’s recommendations.

“The contributions of Late High Chief Lamidi Adedibu to Oyo State and Nigeria cannot be overlooked,” the letter stated. “Such a mistake undermines his legacy and the credibility of the award process.”

As of the time of reporting, the committee has not issued a response to the family’s protest.