Adedibu Legacy Lives: Gbolarumi, PDP Storms Ibadan Streets in Grand Display of Unity

​The ancient city of Ibadan recently pulsed with a unique blend of nostalgia and political fervor as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) turned the streets into a sea of white. The event, dubbed a “walk for honor,” was more than just a tribute to the late political titan, Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu; it was a potent demonstration of the party’s mobilizing power and a strategic rallying cry ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

​Spearheaded by governorship hopeful Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, the procession moved from his Bodija residence through the historic heart of the city—passing through the Secretariat, Bere, and Oja’ba—before culminating at the iconic Molete compound. For many, this was a symbolic return to the roots of Oyo state’s political consciousness.

​At the graveside of the “strongman of Ibadan politics,” Gbolarumi stood in solemn reflection, framing the rally as a quest to reignite the spirit of selfless service. He lauded the late patriarch’s “amala politics”—the patronage-driven, community-focused engagement that once defined Oyo’s political terrain—as the gold standard for reaching the masses. By centering the rally around the Adedibu legacy, Gbolarumi successfully signaled his intent to bridge the past with the future, tapping into the enduring loyalty of the party’s grassroots base.

​The event served a dual purpose: honoring a mentor and projecting a picture of a cohesive, battle-ready party. Amidst ongoing political realignments in Oyo State, the sight of high-profile figures—including Senator Kola Balogun, Oloye Nureni Akanbi, and members of the Adedibu family—marching in solidarity sent a strong message to both supporters and rivals.

​Mrs. Bose Adedibu, the late leader’s widow, seized the moment to issue a clarion call for reconciliation, urging the “mother party” to set aside internal grievances. This call for unity was bolstered by assurances that the PDP remains firmly consolidated and prepared for the challenges of the upcoming electoral battles.

​While the atmosphere was celebratory, the rally also acknowledged the pressing anxieties of the nation. Gbolarumi pivoted from political ambition to the country’s security crises, leading prayers for victims of banditry and student abductions. This served to ground the political spectacle in the everyday concerns of the citizenry, reinforcing the PDP’s narrative of being a party that is both deeply connected to the people’s history and responsive to their current struggles.

​As the chants of “PDP! Power to the people!” echoed through Molete, the event achieved its primary objective: it turned the page on rumors of fragility, replacing them with a vivid, public commitment to unity and the enduring influence of the Adedibu political school.