All roads led to the Jogor Centre in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, as politicians from different camps gathered to celebrate late former governor of the state, Alhaji (Dr) Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina.
The event, which kicked off at about 11 am on Friday, November 11, 2022, was held to celebrate the late governor of the pace-setter state exactly 10 years after his demise.
Earlier, a prayer session was held at the late politician’s Felele, Ibadan residence between 8am and 9 am.
The main event was declared open with a welcome speech by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State between 1999 and 2003, Barrister (Chief) Iyiola Oladokun.
Welcoming guests, Barrister Oladokun said: “Today 11/11/2022 is a special day, just like the same day 10 years ago (11/11/2011); the very day our great leader, Alhaji (Dr) Hon Lam Onaolapo Adesina transited to glory.
“I am particularly elated that the masses and core promoters of the legacies of Baba Lam refused to be subdued in the face of all attempts to subjugate the promotion of the legacies of our iconic leader.
“At all times, I see you standing firm with the biological and political children, aides, friends, and well-wishers of our dynamic, ever forthright, and highly progressive leader of us all.”
A professor of sociology, Lai Olurode, delivered a lecture entitled “Ten Years After Great Lam… The Political Landscape in Nigeria” to the admiration of all Lamists and others present at the event.
The scholar, in the lecture, poured encomium on ‘The Great Lam,’ as the late politician used to be called.
“Lam was a man who stood for justice at all times. He was also pro-restructuring and wanted a Nigeria that would allow for fairness.”
Former governor of Ogun State, Akinrogun Segun Osoba led others when it was time to deliver goodwill messages.
Addressing the overfilled hall, Osoba submitted that “Lam was an associate I will forever miss because of what he stood for. We even had our own slang that we used to deploy when communicating.”
Other speakers included former speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (Lam’s Commissioner for Women Affairs), Senator Femi Lanlehin, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun was represented by High Chief Olakulehin, Chief Eddy Oyewole and Oloye Lekan Alabi.
Others included the gubernatorial candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress in Oyo State and Senator representing Oyo South presently, Oloye Teslim Folarin and the Deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Bayo Lawal.
A-class politicians present at the event included Barrister Sharafadeen Ali, Chief Yemi Aderibigbe, Hon Shina Alabi, Chief Alake Adeyemo, Oloye Akinade Fijabi, Hon Jumoke Ogunkeyede, Pastor Adewale Adepoju, Hon Bosun Oladele, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Dr Isiaka Kolawole, Hon Ramata Okemakinde and Hon Kazeem Adedeji.
Others included Hon Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, Oloye Adebayo Ojo, Hon Remi Sadiq, Hon Wale Sadare, Hon Dele Akinleye, Chief Mufutau Salawu, Dr Gbolagade Adetunji, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Hon Juwon Alao-Akala, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi and several others.
The event was also attended by the widow of the great politician, Chief (Mrs) Sarat Adeola Adesina, Hon Adedapo Lam-Adesina, Mr Adetunji Lam-Adesina and others.
