A fresh controversy is brewing on the murder of Chief Bola Ige, Nigeria’ s former Justice Minister.
In a surprise turn, former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande has alleged that former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja may have crucial information on the unresolved puzzle.
But Ladoja, in a swift rebuttal, has denied the claim, calling Akande a liar and questioning his memory.
In a recent interview, Akande reignited interest in the case by stating that Ladoja, who succeeded Chief Lam Adesina as Oyo State governor, withdrew Ige’s murder case from court.
“There are many things that die with people. 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,” Akande said in a recent interview.
He described Ige’s assassination as politically initiated, calling it a “state murder” and accusing the Obasanjo administration of failing to seek justice.
Akande, who was Osun governor at the time, argued since Ige was killed in Oyo State, it was the responsibility of the Oyo government to unravel the case. He also claimed that Ige regretted joining Obasanjo’s government, describing it as a “kiss of death.”
Ladoja, in a strong rebuttal, dismissed Akande’s claims as baseless and misleading.
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland queried why Akande, who admits knowing more about the assassination, has refused to disclose those details. He also questions Akande’s memory and credibility.
“Chief Bola Ige was assassinated on December 23, 2001. I became governor on May 29, 2003—18 months later. I didn’t withdraw the case. My government didn’t withdraw any case.
“The case was even prosecuted up to the Supremeeply saddened by his death, insisted that he never interfered with the case.
The murder of Chief lge remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial political assassinations. He was shot dead at his Ibadan residence on December 23, 2001, months after his cap was publicly removed in a humiliating incident at a political gathering.
Akande recalls that Ige once contemplated resigning from Obasanjo’s government, feeling devastated with the system.
“One evening, he just called me and said, ‘I’m going to resign from this government.’ I said, ‘Please sir, I will come back to you.’
“I called his friend, Oluwole Rotimi, who asked me to advise him not to resign because if he did, he was likely going to die,” Akande recalled.
Akande claims he convinced Ige to stay, warning that resignation could be dangerous. Ige reportedly spoke to Wole Soyinka and Bola Tinubu, both advised him to resign, but Akande persuaded him to approach Obasanjo instead.
After a meeting with the president, Ige decided to remain in office but was later transferred to the Ministry of Justice.
Akande insists Ige was killed due to fears about his political future, and alleged: “He was killed in anticipation of what he might become in the future. It was a state murder. The government killed him. The government can kill anybody.”
He also accused the Obasanjo administration of prioritising political stability over finding Ige’s killers.
“Obasanjo wasn’t keen on investigating who killed Bola Ige but was interested in the stability of himself in power and possible continuance,” he claimed.
Ladoja, however, maintains that Akande’s accusations are baseless. “Ige’s death was a tragedy for all of us. But why would Akande, who says he knows a lot about it, refuse to say the truth? He should speak if he has proof,” he countered.
As both men trade accusations, the mystery of Bola Ige’s murder remains unsolved, leaving Nigerians with more questions than answers.
Crediblenewsng.com
