Former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has called for a public apology from Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun State, following recent statements made about the murder of former Attorney General, Bola Ige. Ladoja has threatened legal action unless Akande retracts his claims.
Ladoja, speaking to journalists at his residence on Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan, expressed his discontent with Akande’s recent remarks made in an interview which aired over the weekend. In the podcast, Akande suggested that Ladoja might have crucial information about Ige’s murder, which occurred on December 23, 2001, at his residence in Ibadan.
Akande, reflecting on the incident during the podcast, lamented the death of key figures like Lam Adesina, former governor of Oyo State, who had been actively seeking justice for Ige’s death. Akande alleged that Ladoja, who succeeded Adesina as governor, had withdrawn a case that sought to investigate the murder further.
He said, “I know Lam Adesina went to court over the matter, and I also know his successor, Ladoja, withdrew the case. Ask Ladoja, he would know more about Bola Ige’s death.”
However, Ladoja was quick to respond, rejecting Akande’s version of events and accusing him of spreading falsehoods, which he suggested could be due to age-related memory loss. Ladoja clarified, “Chief Bola Ige was assassinated on December 23, 2001, 18 months before I assumed office. I didn’t withdraw the case, my government didn’t withdraw any case. The case was even prosecuted up to the apex court.”
Ladoja, who had been close to Ige, further dismissed the accusation, emphasizing that he had no reason to suppress the investigation into Ige’s assassination. He said, “I don’t know what information Baba Akande believes I could have that he didn’t have. All the information I also have was not different from what I heard from social media.”
In refuting Akande’s claims, Ladoja pointed out that Akande, who had been governor of Osun State at the time of the murder, seemed to have knowledge about events in Oyo State but had no information about the circumstances surrounding Ige’s death, despite being close to many involved.
Ladoja also urged Akande to reveal what he claimed to know about the case, especially his statement suggesting that the murder was orchestrated by the state. “Instead of maligning me, Baba Akande, who said that there are many things he knows that he cannot tell the public, should be asked to disclose them,” Ladoja said.
He concluded with a strong demand for an apology, warning Akande of potential legal consequences. “All options will be taken, including legal action against Akande, unless he withdraws his statement and tenders a public apology,” Ladoja said.
