Awolowo's Political Network: The Regional Power Brokers Who Helped Shape Western Nigeria's Political History
Nigeria's First Republic produced some of the most influential political figures in the country's history, and few commanded a grassroots political structure as extensive as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, SAN, GCFR. Across the old Western Region and beyond, Awolowo's political movement was sustained by loyal associates, influential community leaders, traditional rulers, and grassroots mobilisers whose contributions remain subjects of historical discussion.
One frequently cited account recalls that Alhaji Ariyibi Lamidi, who later became widely known as Lamidi Adedibu, allegedly used a sledgehammer to break the lock of Mapo Hall in Ibadan after the venue had reportedly been locked to prevent Awolowo from holding a political campaign there. According to this account, the hall had been locked during the administration of Chief Adegoke Adelabu, popularly known as "Penkelemesi," who was then Chairman of the Ibadan Municipal Council. Historians continue to debate aspects of this story, but it has remained part of Yoruba political folklore and has been referenced in discussions surrounding the era.
Political observers have also long described Lamidi Adedibu as one of Awolowo's strongest grassroots mobilisers in Ibadan, while Omo Pupa ni Mushin was regarded as one of Awolowo's influential political organisers in the Mushin area of Lagos.
Across the old Western Region, Awolowo's political network reportedly extended through respected personalities such as Pa Gbadamosi in Ikorodu, while businessman and hotelier Pa James was said to have coordinated political support from Surulere through Badagry. Interestingly, his granddaughter would later emerge as the running mate to Dr. Obafemi Hamzat in Lagos politics.
In Abeokuta, Chief D.S. Adegbenro was widely recognised as one of Awolowo's closest political allies and later became Premier of the Western Region. In Ibarapa, Hon. Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola, who eventually became the Eleruwa of Eruwa, was also regarded as one of Awolowo's loyal political figures.
Historical accounts similarly associate the Odemo of Isara with Awolowo's political influence across Remoland, while Pa J.S. Olawoyin became one of the Action Group's leading political figures in the old Kwara Province despite facing strong opposition from rival political interests.
In the area now known as Osun State, personalities such as Chief Bola Ige, Chief Ayoola Adeleke the father of current Osun State Governor and the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi played significant roles in advancing Awolowo's political philosophy and the ideals of the Action Group.
Chief S.M. Akindele was also recognised among Awolowo's supporters within the Oyo axis, while Chief Adekunle Ajasin emerged as one of the most influential leaders from present-day Ondo State. Ajasin later served as Minister of Education under the Western Region government and played a major role in implementing the famous free education programme introduced by the Action Group. Historical records also credit him with contributing significantly to the planning and establishment of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, one of Nigeria's foremost institutions of higher learning.
Among the women who played prominent roles within Awolowo's political movement was Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, a respected market leader in Lagos. She served as a leading women's mobiliser for the Action Group and is also the mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Supporters of Awolowo often point to the economic transformation witnessed in parts of the old Western Region, particularly in present-day Ondo and Ekiti States, where cocoa production generated substantial revenue that funded landmark programmes such as free education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and industrial development.
Another notable aspect of Western Region history was the political rivalry between Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola and Awolowo. Despite their disagreements, many historians acknowledge that Akintola continued several major development projects initiated during Awolowo's administration, including the completion of Cocoa House and the continued development of the University of Ife.
Much of these historical narratives and political reflections have been discussed in Kole Omotoso's acclaimed historical novel Just Before Dawn, a work that blends documented history with fictional storytelling to examine Nigeria's political evolution during its first century. The book remains one of the country's most discussed political literary works and received international recognition for its contribution to African historical literature.
Whether one agrees with every interpretation presented in the book or not, it serves as a reminder of an era many Nigerians remember as one characterised by highly organised political structures, ideological commitment, and regional development driven by visionary leadership. For many students of Nigerian history, it raises an enduring question: has today's political landscape matched the discipline, organisation, and developmental focus that defined that generation?
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