PHOTOS: Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Olusegun Obasanjo, others in Abuja for Adelabu 60th Anniversary Lecture

The 60th anniversary lecture in honour of the former opposition leader in the old Western House of Assembly, Adegoke Adelabu, was held today March 27, 2018 at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation Centre in Abuja, with the first Republic Aviation Minister, Chief Mbazulike Amechi and former President Olusegun Obasanjo in attendance.

Adelabu, popularly known as “Penkelemesi’’, won a seat in the House of Representatives in 1954, before becoming a federal minister. He died in a motor accident on March 25, 1958.

The late Adelabu

Before his death, Adelabu talked about a regional convention which is today the Economic Community of West African States. He talked about what is now known as Kainji Dam before it was established. He also talked about merit being used to choose public officers.

The lecture, with the theme, ‘ADELABU, THE POLITICIAN, THE NATIONALIST,’ was delivered by Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, a First Republic Aviation Minister who once worked with Adelabu when he was a Minister of Natural Resources and Social Services.

Chief Mbazulike Amechi described Adelabu as a nationalist and a devout Muslim.

Amechi reminded the gathering that “Adelabu continued his politics of principle, loyalty and dynamism and his popularity spread through the country like a wildfire”.

He added: "In spite of the betrayal of the other elected members of the Assembly from Ibadan, he still remained the leader, accepted leader of Ibadan people.’’

Others in attendance include: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Chairman of Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Dr. Lekan Are and many others.

More photos below:
Photos credit: Chief Ncheta Amechi.