Former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has threatened legal action against former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande, over claims that he withdrew the court case against suspects accused of assassinating former Attorney General of the Federation, Bola Ige.
Expressing his dismay at Akande’s claims, Ladoja said, “We’ll consider all available options, including legal action, to ensure that Akande does not malign my reputation.”
Recall that Akande, in a recent podcast by ace journalist Edmund Obilo, claimed that Ladoja could have vital information regarding Bola Ige’s murder.
Akande said, “There are many things that die with people. I know Lam Adesina went to court over the matter, and I also know his successor, (Rashidi) Ladoja withdrew the case. Ask Ladoja, he would know more about Bola Ige’s death,” Akande said.
“Lam Adesina was the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State and he went to court and the governor that took over from him, Ladoja, withdrew the case from court. He might be able to tell you more. I believe he has more information on Bola Ige’s death,”
Ladoja, while speaking with journalists at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, insisted that his administration never halted legal proceedings in the case and provided necessary support for its prosecution.
Reacting Ladoja said, “Akande lied against me. As the Executive Governor of the state then, I didn’t withdraw the case from the court as alleged. It’s either old age has made him forget what happened during the period, or he’s just trying to make his book sell.”
He further stated that his government followed due legal processes and even took the matter to the Court of Appeal, continuing where his predecessor, Governor Lam Adesina, left off.
The former governor challenged Akande to reveal any information he had regarding Ige’s assassination. Akande, in the interview, had hinted at possessing details about the murder but refused to disclose them.
Bola Ige was assassinated on December 23, 2001, while Ladoja assumed office on May 29, 2003, a timeline the former governor cited to question Akande’s accusations.
“I was very close to Bola Ige; he even encouraged me to contest in 1999. How then would I have information about his death and refuse to disclose it?” Ladoja queried.
