What is on display in Oyo state is a re-enactment of the Anambra situation, with even more disturbing dimensions. Because the Federal Government and the Peoples Democratic Party condoned the excesses of the hoodlums that sought to remove Ngige from power as Governor of Anambra state, a gang of rascals are also threatening to deal with the governor of Oyo state. They are bold, determined and boastful, confident that they will succeed and they have the police on their side. The obvious lesson is that once the state encourages and rewards brigandage in one part of the country, the pattern is bound to be reproduced elsewhere. What is left in the circumstance is the failure of Nigerian democracy; its underdeveloped nature, the crisis with our political transition process, and the unreliability of the professional political class.

We need to remind ourselves that as in Anambra, the source of the crisis in Oyo state is the selfish ambition and the unmanageable ego of a self-styled Godfather who considers himself the alpha and omega of the politics of Oyo state. Lamidi Adedibu, a durable factor in Ibadan politics, if his claims in his political memoir: What I saw in the Politics of Ibadanland, are to be believed - has never hidden his contempt for the democratic process and by extension the people. He insists and his followers ascribe the importance to him, that nobody can be Governor of Oyo state unless Adedibu says so. For years, any civilian who wanted to be Governor had to go to Adedibu, cultivate him and receive his blessings.

His strength lies in his ability to swing the party nomination for his chosen candidate and to ensure victory on election day. Chris Uba, the Godfather of Anambra state who launched a war against Ngige is a recent phenomenon. Adedibu is a grandfather in the game of political manipulations. It is not for nothing that he is called the Alaafin of Molete. Or is it Orisa Molete? He is said to be the master of grassroots politics in Oyo state. Which is curious. Adedibu had started his career as an enforcer of party positions, with street violence as his speciality. Longevity on the scene, notoriety, the low level of Nigerian politics, and self-mythologisation soon threw relevance in his direction. Adedibu has no ideas about governance. He knows nothing about the politics and the people's mandate. He has never held or managed a public office. His legacy lies in the art of winning elections by any means possible. And after victory has been stolen at the polls, all the stakeholders are supposed to sit down and share the resources of the state. A self-confessed illiterate, Baba Adedibu is the exponent of what he calls "amala politics", that is the politics of the stomach. This is the man whose word has become the law in Oyo state, feared by everyone, young and old, rich and poor, king and subject.

His problems with Governor Rashidi Ladoja began quite early in the day when the newly elected Governor refused in 2003 to allow the godfather to choose his cabinet for him. The godfather wanted all the major portfolios for his own appointees: Finance, Works, Agriculture, in all about eight positions in the cabinet, specifically those positions that are considered "juicy" in Nigerian parlance. Ladoja kicked. The Godfather became angry. Peace meetings have been held to resolve the difference between both men, but those meetings have proved to be futile. Adedibu was said to have asked Ladoja once whether he knew any civilian Governor in Oyo state who was elected for a second term. Ladoja reportedly scratched his head. And Adedibu told him: "not even the great Bola Ige could get a second term.". He then added that "nobody will serve for a second term as Governor in this state". He advised Ladoja to start packing his luggage.

This was the situation until the Godfather lost his patience and decided that Ladoja should go before 2007. He announced in an interview that he Adedibu will remove the Governor. And he is now doing just that. What kind of democracy is this then? Where is the power of the people's vote if one man can just wake up and hijack the machinery of state and throw out a duly elected Governor? The likes of Adedibu pose the greatest threat to Nigerian democracy. Our politics would have to be rescued from these self-appointed Godfathers for whom politics is a business contract with profit goals. Adedibu is in Oyo state, but he has a political "son" in Anambra. How many more are hoping to step into the shoes of Adedibu and Chris Uba in other parts of the country? The man boasts about his "legacy". Nigerians should be worried.

As in Anambra, two key institutions of state have shown up badly in the Oyo crisis. The Oyo state House of Assembly is meant to have as members, honourable gentlemen who will represent, promote and defend the interests of the people. But the fight in Oyo state is not about the people's interests, but loyalty to political warlords. Can you imagine the legislature being divided into Ladoja 13 against Adedibu 18, with both groups exchanging gunfire? It does not matter how the crisis is resolved beyond this point, that Oyo House of Assembly can no longer function as a proper assembly of responsible representatives of the people. The crisis therefore goes beyond Ladoja and Adedibu. In Anambra, Bayelsa and the National Assembly, we have seen how lawmakers can be rented to give effect to the designs of the powerful man. What we are running is a democracy of powerful men. Being powerful in Nigerian politics means having control over the forces of coercion. In Anambra, Chris Uba had the police on his side, while the governor's police security was withdrawn. In Oyo, Adedibu and his supporters are openly supported by the police. When the embattled governor wanted to ask for the police commissioner's help, the man who reports directly to Abuja, was conveniently not available. The Governor's office was vandalised, properties were destroyed in the presence of the police, yet no arrests were made just as in Anambra. Since 1999, the police have been used to commit all kinds of atrocities, including the breaking of the law. This is the poor state of Nigerian democracy.

Concerned elders in Ibadan and Yorubaland are said to have gone to President Olusegun Obasanjo to appeal to him to intervene in the Oyo crisis, and help save the situation. I find it curious that these elders have not deemed it necessary to talk to Adedibu first before going to President Obasanjo. Could they be suggesting that Adedibu is Obasanjo's agent in Oyo state? They may not be blamed if they were to so conclude. After all, a few days after Adedibu's supporters caused mayhem in Ibadan, the old man showed up on horse back at the President's village in Ibogun, Ogun state. This was on the occasion of Ibogun Day which, by accident of association, has now become a national event.

At Ibogun, Adedibu made a triumphant show of his own importance amidst dancing and drumming. This is a man who should have been in police custody. He was received with much deference by President Obasanjo. He was praised for "being a force to reckon with" in Nigeria and Oyo state. Obasanjo is a very deliberate man. He knew what he was doing. He was sending a message across. He was embracing Adedibu publicly and protecting him. Should the President be seen always endorsing the likes of Adedibu and Chris Uba? Would he also speak now as he did in the Anambra case of a "moral burden"? Has he seen a moral burden in the Ibadan crisis? It is ironic that President Obasanjo praises Adedibu and Chris Uba, and yet his government is detaining Asari Dokubo, Ralph Uwazurike, Gani Adams and Frederick Fasehun. For how much longer can Nigeria's democracy withstand the assault on its very roots?

When Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra ran into trouble with his Godfather, he enjoyed almost spontaneous support from the Nigerian public, and this was the case in spite of his own moral burden. He survived, and retained his seat, in part because he defeated his assailants in the court of public opinion. On the surface of it, Ladoja's situation is more deserving of such empathy, but it has not attracted the same degree of public concern. Could this be because the people have seen it all before? Are we now so used to the antics of Godfathers in Nigerian politics that when another one shows his hands, we are not shocked by the immorality and the illegality of it all? Or have the people lost faith in politics? Ladoja may not be a fantastic Governor but if he has to be removed just because he has refused to dance to the dictates of one man, that should fill all of us with outrage. And we should speak up. A few civil society groups in Ibadan: market women, committee of elders, the Nigeria Bar Association, the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools(Oyo state branch) and the Civil Service Union have all risen in defence of due process and public order, and in nearly all cases, in defence of the Governor. More voices should be raised.

Governor Rashidi Ladoja obviously does not understand what he is dealing with. He needs help. After walking through broken bottles, damaged furniture, bullet holes and machete cuts to get to his office, he announced to his audience: "Let all workers return to work. The police and the entire security apparatus have assured us that they are up to the task of maintaining law and order in the state." Does Mr Rashidi expect anybody to believe him? Where were the police and other security agencies when 10 persons were killed, and civil servants were molested, and the State House of Assembly became a battle field? Let Ladoja engage the services of Chris Ngige as a consultant before it is too late! In the meantime, Adedibu and his supporters should be arrested forthwith and their nuisance laid to rest. That is the only way to ensure peace and good order in Oyo state to protect this much abused democracy.

Robot  # 1 | 30.12.2005 03:16

URL=http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/index.php/content/view/2196/46/B>Read the full article.

Ahamefula  # 2 | 30.12.2005 03:57

Messr: Abati - I have been following your writing over time. Personally am not impressed by your classsless and directionless of many of your writings. There is an elected governor and you are giving an impression of bravado found in two governors. Where is your senses? Rather than comdemn and strong outrage of vadanlism and lawlessness you seems to praise the artivities of Adedibu and co as if it fine in a land home to medoiocrity and shame. You need to review yourself sometimes as you just jump key board. Decency and decorum should be thought our people to encourage and drop one line of outrage. I didn't hear any mentioned of violations of laws in the land; you were busy talking about guns and godlfathers found in Adedibu and Chris Uba. where is you mind my brother? you need some rethinking. I am sorry am not comfortable with your article. It promotes violence and vadanlism via broad day thuggery in Oyo State that need strong comdemnations by whatever means we have. Read your article again and maybe sit down and think about it if you have done well. Your article lacked sense of concern and exigency in Oyo. Youi don't just write for writing sack there has to be some purpose in writing. No wonder the say it is Wiild wild West. Good luck. Ahamefula

A patriot.  # 3 | 30.12.2005 04:58

Ahamefula, You found the write-up to be senseless and not articulated to your standard, but I found it to be marvelous , comprehensive and very sophisticated. And I believe that only open minded men like the writer and me will and can savage Nigeria and not sycophants, hypocrites, men of low selfesteem, bought overs and evil genius like Ahamefula, UBAs and the 78 years old man . A patriotic Nigerian.

Palamedes  # 4 | 30.12.2005 07:29

I assume 78 is not his pseudo age. Anyway, what is a man of 78 still doing in politics and causing trouble? Shouldn't he be spending more time with his great grand children?

EezeeBee  # 5 | 30.12.2005 10:41

Ahamefula, You appear to have difficulty in comprehending the core message of Abati's piece. If anything he is clearly condemning not just Adedibu, but Obasanjo for receiving and feteing him immediately after the ridiculous activities in Ibadan.

unregistered  # 6 | 30.12.2005 16:17

Abati's article is excellent, and just reflecting, one wonders whether the root of the problem is that oyo governor was refusing to toe the party line as opposed to adedibu's line! That said, if someone renders enormous assistance to get another elected into public office, obviously they would expect something in return for their efforts, and not necessarily financial..... you cannot dine with the devil and eat dessert sitting at God's right hand in paradise! re: commentator earlier, i think he means "salvage" Nigeria not savage!!

AFUA  # 7 | 31.12.2005 12:59

Villagers, having read previous posting on this site by Ahamefula, this new one is expected. Like previous posting by Ahams no sane human person can pick out the sense in whatever he writes. His motives, which he has exposed on several occasions, are quite clear and as I have pointed to out in the past, he is always in opposition of any cause good or bad. I assume he has gotten the concept of NVS (not being pro or anti government) completely wrong. Mr Abati has clearly given the stick to Adedibu so Ahamefula's ranting has come as a total surprise coupled with the fact that his language is quite rude and abusive to an extent. To imagine this is the same person who demands respect because of his age from younger contributors on NVS. Does he know Mr Abati's age? I would have been surprised if he did not end his posting with mud flicking at the Yoruba by his comment on the Wild West, but Ahams needs to note that the same Wild West is home to West Africa's first Skyscraper, Television station, Olympic stadium, modern housing estate, premier university and numerous other achievements. It is rather unfortunate that Adedibu does not feel it is high time to give up and be a decent grand father. For the records Adedibu is not an illiterate as he might want people to believe, he actually attended one of Ibadan's prestigious secondary schools in the 40's, his claim of being an illiterate is what endears him to the grass roots.

EezeeBee  # 8 | 31.12.2005 13:42

=AFUA>... his claim of being an illiterate is what endears him to the grass roots. It says a lot about the distance we have to travel politically that a claim of illiteracy is an 'endearing' quality.

Ahamefula  # 9 | 31.12.2005 17:25

Dear Afua - thank you very much for your commentaries as summed it up in your Adedibu's claim found in illiteracy and mediocrity as a benchmark for cover ups of his illigalities in Oyo; neither are my going to dignify your attacks and claims with respect to Feds projects in Lagos and all the other things you refered to as wild wild west or Yoruba accomplishments unless you are talking with another illiterate found in Adedibu. Otherwise, those projects of 40s thru 60s et al we all know very well are feds not wild wild west outcomes as you would want us to believe et al. May be it is still part of illiteracy and mediocrity at it best. Do researching over your claims will help you answer or respond to your own claims I wouldn't say anything more on that. My concern with the article stems from expanding and praising the so called godfathers foundi Uba and Adedibu rather than outright condemnation in strongest terms of the lawlessness found and imposed on good citizens of Oyo State. For example I am not comfortable with the writer's two Governors bravado which he attempted to paint Ibadan crisis as. Rather than critically looking at the illegalities in my view he seems to fan th flame and then drop one line of comdmnation pretentiously. I were some Nigerian writers are heading to or its gutter journalism at its bests for some nigerians. i have sometimes thought that writing in our mother dialects might be better as we have a good handling of it rather the foreign language found in English. Only God knows the level of illiteracy and mediocrity in abuse emanating in foreign linguistics. I am fine with your attacks it is your freedom and liberty. I wish you well; Happy New Year, God fearing with sensible 2006. We hope 2006 bests 2005. Ahamefula Ahamefula -

EezeeBee  # 10 | 31.12.2005 18:47

From Nigeria's Thisday Newspaper. Note the criminal political thugs whose names I've highlighted below. The 'drama' continues. Oyo: Cracks in Adedibu's Camp By Philip Ogunmade, 12.31.2005 Fresh facts emerging from the political crisis rocking Oyo State have revealed that a major disagreement has ensued among the eminent personalties in the camp of the strong man of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu . THISDAY checks revealed that most of the personalities who support Adedibu against the governor, Rashidi Ladoja only do so for their own political gains. THISDAY gathered that the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide had accompanied Adedibu to Ibogun-Olaogun, the ancestral home of President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday, because is positioning his son for the office of the deputy governor while Elder Wole Oyelese is also in the camp because he is eyeing the office of the Commissioner of Finance. Besides, Lekan Balogun is also giving the old politician a strong backing because he is seeking the slot of the Commissioner of Agriculture, while Lai Lakojo wants to be the Secretary to the State Government. In the same vein, one Chief Onaolapo has thrown his full weight behind the moves of Chief Adedibu to get Ladoja removed at all cost, mainly because he wants to have four commisionership slots if the plot succeeds. However, former governor of the state, Chief Victor Omololu Olunloyo who is also in the camp has kicked against the ambition of these elders, thereby causing ripples in Adedibu's camp. It was gathered that the impeachment process may turn out an exercise in futility because the 18 lawmakers said to be in Adedibu's camp are not up to 18. THISDAY learnt that some of the said 18 lawmakers are neither in Adedibu's camp nor Ladoja's. Some of the lawmakers are said to have returned to their various communities, saying they would only retain to the House when the crisis subsides. To affirm this, only 8 of the lawmakers were present at the press conference addressed recently by Adedibu's camp; while Ladoja on the other hand is having the full support of 14 lawmakers. The recent development was the gun battle which rocked the State House of Assembly complex as well as the Government House, leaving the offfice of the governor severely vandalised. The aftermath has been the commencement of impeachment process against the governor by a faction of the lawmakers who belongs to Adedibu's camp. Efforts by the Speaker, Adeolu Adeleke and his deputy , Dauda Aikulola to stop the move through a court injunction fell through on Wednesday when An Ibadan High Court ruled that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

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