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Tag: Akande

  • Bola Ige’s murder: Ladoja threatens legal action against Akande

    Bola Ige’s murder: Ladoja threatens legal action against Akande

    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.

  • Akande’s allegation divisive, #EndSARS movement organic – Obi

    Akande’s allegation divisive, #EndSARS movement organic – Obi

    The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has criticised former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande over his claim that the 2020 #EndSARS protests were orchestrated by Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, to derail the presidential ambition of Bola Tinubu.

    Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim while speaking to PUNCH, rejected Akande’s claims, describing them as inaccurate and insensitive to those affected by the protests.

    During a recent podcast hosted by broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Akande claimed that the protests were a coordinated effort by Obidients, supported by foreign funding, to prevent Tinubu’s rise to the presidency.

    “The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi,” Akande alleged.

    “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America,” he added.

    Reacting, Obi’s media aide dismissed Akande’s remarks as an attempt to distort history, emphasising that such claims were not only misleading but also insensitive to the memory of #EndSARS victims.

    “The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President,” Ibrahim stated

    “Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a

    movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

    “The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

    “To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”