Dynastic Struggle and the Peoples Democratic Party in the Post-Adedibu Era in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Lamidi Adedibu, until his death on June 11, 2008, maintained a firm grip on the Peoples Democratic Party’s machinery in Oyo state, Nigeria. He effectively deployed his political connections with Abuja to control party executives, commissioners, and local government bosses and their resources. His Molete home became a rallying point for sectional leaders for lobby and patronage. With a large pool of foot soldiers, the ‘garrison commander’ planned, executed and won elections, including the impeachment of his estranged godson, Rasidi Ladoja. His political tentacles were intimidating to the extent that it was suicidal to dare the ‘garrison commander’. Adedibu passed on before the 2011 polls. This paper attempts an examination of the remote and immediate causes of PDP crises. Data were gathered using both primary and secondary sources. The findings revealed that Adedibu’s demise before the polls created a leadership tussle within his political dynasty. The lacuna so created led to the search for the missing focal point. Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala’s second-term ambition and his centralised leadership style further polarised the party. A puny attempt to reconcile the disintegrating forces collapsed and weakened the political chances of the PDP. The Ibadan factor, unresolved internal wrangling, the conflict between Akala and the Alaafin of Oyo, and the defection of Rasidi Ladoja to contest the polls militated against the victory of PDP in the post-Adedibu era. The lack of mastery of Oyo politics which characterised the Adedibu era, is the missing link in the post-Adedibu PDP