Chris Ochayi
13 June 2008
Lagos — Former President Ibahim Babangida disclosed yesterday that the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu shared in the views that culminated in the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections.
Babangida, in a condolence message titled, "And the glamour of politics in Oyo fades," said Adedibu offered the support and advise which helped to navigate the murky waters of June 12 to a safe landing.
Babangida's message, which was signed by his Media Adviser, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the late politician spoke straight from his heart on the June 12 debacle without minding whose ox was gored.
According to him, "When I was the President of this great country, I enjoyed a lot of wise counsels from Chief Adedibu who I often invited particularly during Ramadan to break fast with me in the Presidential Villa."
Babangida
"During the June 12 episode, as a practical politician who understood the position we had to take, he was forthcoming with his support and advice which helped us to navigate the political murky waters to a safe landing.
"He spoke straight from his heart without minding whose ox is gored. His bluntness was infectious and matter of speaking, down-to-earth. There was no dull moment in Chief Adedibu's life. In fact, the glamour he brought to politics no matter how pedestrian won for him many followers and was later to become a formidable political actor that could not be ignored in the politics of Oyo State.
Late Lamidi Adedibu
"Hate him or like him, one thing you cannot take away from Chief Adedibu is the fact that he was friendly to the ordinary folks out there majority of whom are the drivers of our people-centred democracy."
"You may disagree with his style of politics, but it is not one without its side attractions. Ibadan people will certainly miss him. Oyo State will certainly miss him. Nigeria will certainly miss him. His Party, the Peoples Democratic Party will certainly miss him".
"I and my family will surely miss him. The glamour of politics and politicking has surely faded in Oyo State. The fact that he made his modest contribution to the growth of democracy is an achievement that will live after him,"Babangida said.
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