Adefope’s “Tactic” Secured LAUTECH for Oyo, Reveals Gov. Makinde

Ibadan, Oyo State – Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed the crucial role played by the late Ambassador Ibironke Adefope, former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia, in resolving the long-standing ownership crisis of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. According to the governor, Adefope’s “tactic” was instrumental in ensuring Oyo State gained sole ownership of the institution.

Speaking at Ambassador Adefope’s home-going service at St Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, Governor Makinde described the diplomat as a “personal tactician” and one of his go-to persons for critical state issues. He eulogized her for her invaluable advice on leadership and unwavering commitment to the progress of Oyo State, referring to her affectionately as “Mama.”

The governor recounted a specific instance during the LAUTECH ownership dispute, a major campaign promise of his administration. “I made a promise to the people of Oyo State…if you vote for me, we would take LAUTECH back,” Makinde stated. After being elected, he consulted Adefope on how to fulfill this commitment, especially after Professor Omole had already advanced discussions to a certain level.

“Mama said it was going to be a battle, ‘Why don’t you get an Army General and with my support, we can engage them,'” Makinde narrated. This led to the formation of a team that included General Oladayo Popoola and Ambassador Adefope. When the team from Osun State (the former co-owner of LAUTECH) encountered them, General Popoola’s presence suggested a confrontational approach. However, it was Adefope, leveraging her diplomatic prowess, who intervened.

“But Mama, being the diplomat, said, ‘Why don’t we just negotiate and close the deal?’ And that was exactly what happened. So, that tactic worked,” Governor Makinde revealed, underscoring the decisive impact of her approach.

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Makinde also shared personal anecdotes illustrating Adefope’s influence and forthrightness. He recalled an incident shortly after becoming governor when he publicly criticized the School Governing Council, leading to Adefope, a council member herself, sternly advising him on public speaking. This highlighted the deep personal bond and trust between them. “I call her my Mama. Sometimes from 2013 or thereabouts and for the last 10, 11 years till she breathed her last, we were inseparable,” he said.

Despite his profound grief at losing Ambassador Adefope, whom he described as a “rare, bold and courageous woman,” Governor Makinde expressed gratitude for the fulfilled life she lived. He also used the occasion to make significant pledges to St Peter’s Cathedral, promising a Multimedia system and LED Screen within four weeks and a solution to the church’s power problem before the end of the year by extending the Independent Power Plant from the Secretariat.

The funeral service was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor and Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, among others.