Former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has strongly refuted claims made by former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, suggesting he had knowledge of the assassination of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige.
Akande, in a recent interview with veteran broadcaster Edmund Obilo in Ibadan, implied that Ladoja might hold key information about the unresolved murder case. He also lamented that figures who could have shed light on the incident, such as former Oyo State Governor Lam Adesina, had passed away.
Responding to the allegations, Ladoja dismissed Akande’s statements as false and baseless, insisting he played no role in obstructing justice. He clarified that the case was pursued up to the Supreme Court during his tenure and denied ever withdrawing any charges.
“Chief Bola Ige was assassinated on December 23, 2001. I assumed office on May 29, 2003—18 months after his death,” Ladoja stated. “Neither I nor my government withdrew the case; it was prosecuted to the apex court. Chief Akande lied against me. This isn’t the first time people have accused him of lying—Baba Adebanjo even said the same in his book.”
Ladoja also emphasized his personal closeness to Bola Ige, expressing sadness over his death. He warned that unless Akande retracts his statement and issues a public apology, he would consider legal action.