Nigerian social critic and former student leader, Adeola Soetan, has declared that “no university including UI is too big to be named after Buhari, if Tinubu decides.”
Soetan, who made this post on his Facebook page, directed his commentary at students and alumni of the University of Ibadan (UI), popularly referred to as “UItes,” advising them to “sinmin rascality”, a Yoruba phrase loosely translating to “stop the rascality”, should the government decide to rename the prestigious institution.
In his characteristically ironic tone, Soetan expressed a preference for the university to be renamed after the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu.
He proposed the new name as Lamidi Adedibu University (LAU), highlighting its catchy acronym and mockingly praising a proposed slogan: “LAU – Erebe, Erebe LAU!”
“I support,” he added emphatically.
Going further, Soetan expressed surprise that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had not already taken such a step, considering Adedibu’s unwavering loyalty to him and his formidable political influence in Oyo State.
He recalled how Adedibu, dubbed the “Garrison Commander” of Ibadan politics, once coordinated political operations from D’Rovan Hotel and was instrumental in the political travails of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
“Honestly, I’m surprised that Obasanjo didn’t name UI as LAU Erebe despite Adedibu being his foremost die-hard supporter and Garrison Commander of Ibadan and Oyo State politics,” he wrote. “No time is too late. I support UI to be LAU – Erebe. People are tired of UI, UI, always since all these decades. The name is boring now. LAU Erebe is a refresher. Let’s support this please.”
Soetan’s post, while comedic, comes amidst growing public concern over the politicization of institutions and the trend of naming major public infrastructure after contemporary political figures by the Tinubu’s administration, and also considering the fact that the former president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari just passed away.
The former president was buried at his home on Tuesday 15th of July 2025, in Daura after his death at the age of 82 at a clinic in London.
His body was flown back to the country earlier on Tuesday and his successor, Bola Tinubu, was at the airport in Katsina state to receive the remains.
It was then taken to Buhari’s home town of Daura, where hundreds attended Islamic funeral prayers at the central mosque.
His body was finally interred in a grave dug in the grounds of his home with dignitaries including Tinubu, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and Buhari’s Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo present.