Family Seeks Immortalisation of Adelabu ‘Penkelemeesi’
The children of the late iconic politician, Adegoke Adelabu, popularly known as Penkelemeesi, have appealed to the government to immortalise their father for his contributions to the sustainability of democracy during his lifetime.
They made the call in Ibadan at a news conference heralding the production of a movie on the life and times of the ace politician.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Mrs Adekunbi Adegoke-Adelabu urged the government to honour their late father by renaming a major park, airport, a stadium or any notable infrastructure after him.
She said the politician, popularly known as ‘Penkelemeesi’, served the country in different capacities 
He was at the national conference in 1957 with notable people like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola; the two who had since been immortalised.
“We are grateful to God that some eminent Nigerians have now risen to produce a film on his life and times.
“This shows that people can still feel his contributions to the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
We are also calling on the government, both at the state and federal level, to honour him like his colleagues,” she said.
The Director of Imodoye Media Concept, Mr Femi Kehinde, said the motivation behind the movie was to showcase the history, essence, life and times of the Adelabu.
He said the moral lessons that could be learnt from his short life would also be showcased in the film.
“We plan to showcase the life and times of other notable politicians, but we know starting with Adegoke Adelabu will be a good starting point for us.
We want students of history and the entire public to see what they have not known about him. The film will display the elegance, flavour and eminence Adelabu brought to Nigeria’s politics.
“He was once Ibadan’s first member of the House of Assembly in 1952, an elected chairman of Ibadan District Council in 1954, and later, the Minister for Natural Resources and Social Services among others.
With all the successes and achievements, he died with only 40 Pounds in his bank account, which tells many moral lessons to present-day politicians.
“His life was all about the values to leave behind for the society,” he said.
Kehinde noted that the epic film would be shown in many cinemas worldwide after its premiere on March 25, 2026.
Adelabu died at the age of 43 years in a motor accident on mile 51 of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, an area close to Sagamu, in 1958.
He was said to be returning from Lagos along with a Syrian businessman when his car hit an oncoming vehicle.
