Ibadan Turns White: Gbolarumi, PDP Loyalists Take Over Streets In Massive Tribute To Adedibu’s Legacy

By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

​The ancient city of Ibadan was transformed into a sea of white on Wednesday as a massive crowd of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters took to the streets in a vibrant, sprawling procession to pay a resounding tribute to the late political titan, Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu.

​The colorful march, spearheaded by governorship hopeful Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, kicked off from his Bodija residence, drawing a thunderous crowd that snaked through the city’s major arteries. The procession made strategic stops through the Secretariat, Bere, and Oja’ba, turning the city into a spectacle of political mobilization before finally converging at the iconic Molete residence of the late "strongman of Ibadan politics" to honor his enduring legacy.

​The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia and ambition as party faithful, including aspirants for various elective positions across all 33 local government areas, marched through these historic landmarks to celebrate the man who once defined the state's political direction.

​Standing at the graveside of his late mentor, a visibly moved Gbolarumi led the crowd in a solemn moment of reverence. Reflecting on the impact of the late patriarch, he described the icon as a quintessential mentor and a man of the masses whose grassroots strategies remain the gold standard for political engagement in Nigeria. Gbolarumi characterized the rally as a "walk for honor," emphasizing that the mission was to reignite the spirit of selfless service and mentorship that defined the late Adedibu’s political career.

​The event witnessed a high-profile turnout that underscored the continued relevance of the Adedibu name in Oyo politics.

 Among the dignitaries present were Senator Kola Balogun, former chief of staff to late Adebayo Alao Akala, Chief saka balogun, Chief ogunlade, Rasak gbadegesin Agbeti(fmr. Deputy Chief of staff to late Alao Akala).  Oloye Nureni Akanbi, and Alhaji Morafa. The Adedibu family was represented by Professor Abass Adedibu and the late leader’s widow, Mrs. Bose Adedibu, with prominent socio-religious figures, including representatives of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, adding a layer of traditional and religious significance to the commemoration.

​Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Adedibu called for a renewed sense of purpose within the PDP, describing the party as the "mother party" of Nigeria’s democratic movement. She issued a stern call for reconciliation, urging aggrieved members to set aside their differences and coalesce into an indivisible family to guarantee victory in the upcoming electoral cycles.

​Dismissing circulating rumors of internal fragility, Hon. Fatola asserted that the impressive turnout served as a clear indicator of the party’s stability and its iron-clad readiness for the 2027 elections. He maintained that the PDP has successfully consolidated its base and is fully prepared for the political battles ahead.

​The event, while celebratory in its display of unity, also touched on the nation's pressing challenges. Gbolarumi took a moment to address the prevailing security crises, specifically the alarming rise in banditry and the abduction of students across the country. He led the crowd in prayers for the safety of all citizens and the release of victims before the rally reached its climactic end with the roaring chants of "PDP! Power to the people!" filling the Ibadan air.