Posthumous Birthday: Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu, A Legend and Grandfather of A Genius, Adebayo Adelabu, Lives On | By Afeez Bello

In the political history of Nigeria, the Western Region (presently Southwest) has shaken the ground, which has improved a situation that has created widespread impacts in the political and social landscape of the region, especially in Ibadan in pre-independence Nigeria.

Notable politicians and statesmen such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief S. L. Akinola, and Adegoke Adelabu, among others, have emerged from the region who have immensely contributed to the development of the region through politics and governance since postcolonial Nigeria.

It is widely known that one of these famous politicians who distinguished himself as a dominant figure in the nationalist movement and a core grassroots man was Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi.

Yesterday I was listening to the 11am news on a popular radio station, Fresh 105.5 FM Ibadan. When it reached the history segment of the news, it was the birth of the legendary politician, Alhaji Gbadamosi Adegoke Adelabu, famously known as Penkelemesi, that was relayed by the newsreaders in the English and Yoruba segments of the news.

Ever since I have been hearing his story, I have not come across his birthdate, but the news not only prompted me to think about his lifestyle but also how Penkelemesi came into being.

Penkelemesi was a Yorubanisation of an English phrase, “Peculiar Mess”. According to some traditions, Penkelemesi came into existence in the political landscape of Nigeria as a result of Adegoke Adelabu’s perception about the state of opposition in the Western Regional Assembly in Ibadan.

However, over a decade ago, popular broadcaster in Ibadan, Alhaji Kola Olootu, relayed on his consistent radio programme, “Oselenkejo”, on Oluyole FM 98.5 Ibadan that Penkelemesi came into existence when Adelabu and his supporters were going for a rally at Mapo. Upon their arrival at the campaign venue, he was informed by some of his supporters that Mapo Hall had been shut. “What a peculiar mess,” he asserted, and the traditional drummers picked the phrase to awaken the energy of the people, “Adelabu Penkelemesi”, and it became a historical phrase attached to his name. This became a household name.

Born on September 3, 1915, in Ibadan. He rose to become a public figure in the political landscape of Ibadan and the Western Region prior to Nigeria’s independence. If he were still alive, he would have attained the age of 110 yesterday. Certain indices which could be traced to the rise of Adelabu in the 20th century are activism, strategy and pro-humanity.

It should be noted that what drew Adelabu into politics was local activism, which later transcended to regional and national activism. This, however, helped him to explore his intellectual skills. Two things that can never be taken away from Adelabu activism are advocacy and community mobilisation.

Activism is all about action. The legendary politician put advocacy into practice by working with various associations and organisations to influence policy and advocate for specific regulations in Ibadan.

As someone who advanced from community mobiliser to regional mobiliser, he gathered and organised people to support a particular goal and cause, which later led to the formation of a political party, Ibadan People’s Party (IPP), in the early 50s.

Another beautiful thing about the then young Ibadan politician is strategy. As a good strategist in business, Adelabu was also a genius in political strategy. He applied some strategies to direct political operations and movements in Ibadan, later in the NCNC, the party which he later formed an alliance with. This attracted more followers, and it was a testament to the victory of his party, which won all six Ibadan seats in the Western Regional Assembly prior to the alliance.

As one of the most charismatic political figures before independence. His capacity and his intellect were recognised by his opponents. He left a good legacy for another generation.

It is essential to note that Oloye Bayo Adelabu is a financial expert and accomplished businessman who rose to the position of Deputy Governor, Operation of the Central Bank of Nigeria, prior to his adventure into politics.

Just like his legendary grandfather, Bayo Adelabu became a wealthy personality at a younger age, but in joining politics, he is older than Adegoke when compared to Adelabu Senior. The circumstances that led to their joining politics were also not the same. The former joined politics and attained political offices in ascending order, while the latter, Bayo, moved in politics from the higher stage.

Intellectually they were both blessed. They both have exceptional mental capacities, which could be traced to their success in academics, business and politics.

They both have a high degree of competence and skill in their respective works, businesses, and politics. Politically, the late Goke Adelabu was a skilful politician, and Bayo Adelabu took after him. In fact, when it comes to grassroots politics, give it to the late ‘Goke Adelabu, the qualities which ‘Bayo Adelabu is perfectly exemplifying.

By His Grace, the current Power Minister, Oloye Bayo Adelabu, will rebrand the political style of the former House of Representatives Member and ex-Minister of Natural Resources and Social Services, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu, and use it to unite our great party, APC, for a landslide victory come 2027.

The APC Chieftain will definitely make use of his foundation to gear up party members and non-politicians across the state through human capital developmental initiatives which will not only endear mass followership to him but also enhance the household name ‘Penkelemesi’ in the hearts of the masses and the residents of Oyo State.

Oloye Bayo Adelabu is heroically advancing his grandpa’s strategies and bettering the lives of countless people.

As the Seyi Makinde-led state government is failing to improve the standard of living in Oyo state, executing anti-people policies that have plunged the state into debt crises through unwanted and unnecessary loans that were used to service debt, Bayo Adelabu, like his grandfather, appeared as the expected hero of the good people of Oyo state, come 2027.

Like his grandfather, the Paraakoyi of Ibadanland is the hope of people, and he will definitely make us great come 2027. God will make the Oyo guber race an easy ride for Adelabu in 2027.

Think Oyo 2027! Think Bayo Adelabu.