Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07LAGOS778
2007-12-12 14:46:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Lagos
Cable title:  

NIGERIA: ADEDIBU LOSES GROUND

Tags:  KDEM PGOV PHUM NI 
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VZCZCXRO9931
RR RUEHPA
DE RUEHOS #0778 3461446
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 121446Z DEC 07
FM AMCONSUL LAGOS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9648
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 9393
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000778 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W
TREASURY FOR DPETERS, RHALL, RABDULRAZAK
STATE PASS USAID FOR NFREEMAN, GBERTOLIN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2027
TAGS: KDEM PGOV PHUM NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: ADEDIBU LOSES GROUND

Classified By: Consul General Donna Blair for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000778

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W
TREASURY FOR DPETERS, RHALL, RABDULRAZAK
STATE PASS USAID FOR NFREEMAN, GBERTOLIN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2027
TAGS: KDEM PGOV PHUM NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: ADEDIBU LOSES GROUND

Classified By: Consul General Donna Blair for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Signs point to the slow decline of Lamidi
Adedibu's influence in Oyo State politics. His recent court
appearance in Abuja and struggles with NAFDAC show his
weakened position. Traditional ruler Gbola Adesiyan says
Adedibu's "godson" Governor Adebayo Akala anticipates that
the tribunal will overturn his election, and is hiring
cronies and siphoning off funds from the state. End Summary.

'ADEDIBU'S LEGS ARE SHAKING'
--------------


2. (C) Oyo State "godfather" Lamidi Adedibu's recent arrest
and reprimand by a specially-convened Abuja court illustrates
his steady decline and, perhaps, the beginning of the end of
the godfather era in Oyo State, Prince Gbola Adesiyan, a
traditional ruler said in a meeting with PolOffs. The
Inspector General of Police requested a meeting with Adedibu
in Abuja to discuss his role in creating instability in the
Oyo State capital of Ibadan. Judges in Abuja were on recess.
As a result, the Chief Justice convened a special panel,
according to Adesiyan. Adedibu was asked by the judge to
sign a statement of non-interference concerning not only
himself but also anyone who works for him, promising not to
interfere in Oyo State politics or to foment dissent.
"Adedibu's legs are shaking," the Prince commented.

NAFDAC TAKES ON ADEDIBU
--------------


3. (C) Adedibu's weakened position is also clear in his
recent power struggle with the National Agency for Food and
Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Adedibu has also
been linked to stolen NAFDAC registration numbers required on
all food and pharmaceutical product labels, which he uses to
disguise counterfeit products, said Adesiyan. NAFDAC shut
down a food warehouse owned by a crony of Adedibu, Prince
Adesiyan claimed, as part of its campaign to rid Oyo State of
counterfeiters. Adedibu sent men to reopen the warehouse,
and harangued the head of NAFDAC, Dora Akunyili. Akunyili
threatened to sue Adedibu for defamation of character,
accused him of interfering with NAFDAC, and said the Oyo
State NAFDAC office would be shut down if she did not receive
more cooperation from Oyo State officials, many under
Adedibu's influence. Former President Obasanjo, in Ibadan
for a funeral, paid a visit to Adedibu and told him to
apologize to Akunyili, echoing what Adedibu's own lawyer had
also instructed him to do, stated Prince Adesiyan.

TRADITIONAL LEADER: "GOVERNOR IS MESSING UP OYO STATE"
-------------- --------------


4. (C) Current Oyo State Governor Akala, a "godson" of
Adedibu, believes the tribunal will rule against him,
Adesiyan said. To make governing difficult for his
successor, and to feather his own nest, Akala is padding the
civil service with his cronies, looting the public treasury,
and generally "messing up Oyo State," said Adesiyan. The
people of Oyo State are angry but are willing to wait for the
tribunal to rule.

TRIBUNAL TRUE TO PEOPLE'S TRUST
--------------


5. (C) Despite rumored attempts to bribe tribunal members,
they have held fast to their mission and still have the trust
of the population, says Adesiyan. A judgment is expected
before Christmas, because the judge doesn't want to have to
return to Oyo after the holidays, Adesiyan claimed.


6. (C) Comment: Prince Adesiyan is well connected, with a
relative employed by the state election tribunal and friend
and family throughout the Southwest. End Comment.


7. (U) This cable has been coordinated with Embassy Abuja.
BLAIR