Eighteen years after the passing of the late political kingmaker, High Chief Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu, the profound influence of the “Oloosa Molete” continues to shape Oyo State politics, with key stakeholders now pointing to the endurance of his political machinery as a blueprint for future electoral success.

​Samson Opeyemi Fatola, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, has specifically lauded former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, for his steadfast role in sustaining the late patriarch’s grassroots movement.

​Speaking on the sidelines of the 18th-anniversary remembrance held at the Adedibu residence in Molete, Fatola described the massive turnout of party faithful—spearheaded by Gbolarumi—as a powerful signal that the discipline and service-oriented politics championed by the late Chief remain the backbone of the party’s strength.

​“Chief Adedibu built a movement guided by discipline and service to the people,” Fatola stated in a press release issued yesterday. “For 18 years, Gbolarumi has been at the forefront, not just in memory, but in keeping those values and that vital grassroots connection alive. His dedication is a testament to the kind of loyalty that our party needs.”

​For observers of Oyo politics, the event was more than a tribute; it was a demonstration of political muscle. With the 2027 election cycle looming, the gathering served as a poignant reminder of the enduring reach of the Adedibu political structure. Fatola emphasized that Gbolarumi’s ability to command such loyalty is a clear indicator of his capability to unite the PDP, bridging internal gaps to create a formidable front against political opponents.

​“The turnout at Molete proves that Gbolarumi has the capacity to rally our people,” Fatola noted. “He has consistently demonstrated that the soul of the party is found in the people at the grassroots, just as the late Chief taught us.”

​Looking ahead, the federal representative candidate utilized the platform to rally the PDP faithful for a broader objective. He offered earnest prayers for total victory across all 33 local government areas of Oyo State in the 2027 polls, emphasizing that the path to governance in the state relies on the party’s ability to remain cohesive and honor its historical roots while forging a path toward progress for the people of Oyo State and Nigeria.