Oba Ladoja Responds to Akande’s Allegations on Bola Ige’s Assassination

Babatunji Wusu –

• Oba Rashidi Ladoja refuted Chief Bisi Akande’s claims regarding the assassination of Bola Ige.
• Ladoja emphasized that he did not withdraw the case, as suggested by Akande, and clarified his role during the investigation.
• He expressed his sadness over Ige’s death, mentioning their close relationship.

Oba Rashidi Ladoja, former Governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has strongly refuted allegations made by Chief Bisi Akande regarding the assassination of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige. In a recent interview at his residence in Ibadan, Ladoja responded to Akande’s remarks, stating, “Chief Akande lied against me.”

Akande had raised concerns over the unresolved murder of Ige, suggesting that Ladoja may have vital information about the case. Ladoja, however, clarified that when he became governor in May 2003, he was not involved in any actions regarding the withdrawal of the case, as suggested by Akande. He further asserted that the case was even prosecuted by the Supreme Court, dismissing Akande’s accusations as false.

Ladoja also shared his personal sorrow over Ige’s tragic death, stating that he was very close to the late Chief Ige and that they were all deeply saddened by the loss. He pointed out that this was not the first time Akande had been accused of making misleading statements, citing a previous instance in Baba Adebanjo’s book where Akande was also criticized for lying.