Today in history: Chief Lamidi Adedibu organizes a pro-Abacha rally in Ibadan

On this day, 15th of April, 1998 Chief Lamidi Adedibu, popularly regarded as the ‘strongman of Ibadan politics’ organized a pro-Abacha rally in Ibadan.

The rally was countered by United Action for Democracy (UAD); five vehicles are razed and three persons killed in the confrontation.

Adedibu, born on October 24, 1927, in Ibadan, emerged as a significant political figure in Nigeria from the 1950s, initially aligning with the Ibadan People’s Party and later the Action Group under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He was also part of the National Party of Nigeria during the 1980s and gained prominence during General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime, supporting Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s candidacy in the Social Democratic Party alongside notable politicians.

Adedibu’s political approach was characterized by a mix of populism and aggressive tactics, which often resulted in either fervent loyalty or fierce opposition.