Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), calling for an exhaustive, transparent, and uncompromising investigation into the mysterious death of Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, a prominent son of the state and a highly respected political leader.
The petition, conveyed through a letter signed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, was issued on the Governor’s directive. In the correspondence, the Governor expressed grave concern over what he described as the “questionable and untimely” circumstances of Akingboye’s passing, warning that the matter must not be swept aside or handled with levity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that Akingboye was “a distinguished son of Ondo State, a respected political figure, and a man of immense communal value whose life and legacy cannot be trivialised.” He stressed that his government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the truth behind the incident is fully uncovered.
The letter expressed dissatisfaction with the level of transparency and urgency so far demonstrated in the handling of the case, describing the feedback from security authorities as “inadequate and unsatisfactory.” It reiterated the government’s demand for a rigorous probe that meets the expectations of justice, accountability, and fairness.
Governor Aiyedatiwa affirmed: “Every Ondo State indigene’s life is invaluable. We owe it to our people to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. No influence, no status, and no circumstance must be allowed to obstruct the truth. The tragic passing of Otunba Akingboye is a painful loss to the people of this state, and we are resolute in our determination to pursue justice to its logical conclusion.”
The government further warned that the people of Ondo State must be reassured that neither political influence, social status, nor manipulation can override justice in the land. It therefore urged the Inspector-General of Police to approach the matter with renewed vigour, diligence, and transparency until justice is fully served.
Anchoring its demand on constitutional provisions, the letter cited Section 214 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 4 and 6 of the Police Act Cap. P19 LFN 2004, as well as Sections 115–116 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which collectively vest in the Nigeria Police the sacred duty of ensuring comprehensive, transparent, and conclusive investigations in cases of serious crime, including suspected homicide.
In a significant development, the government disclosed its readiness to engage independent forensic and investigative experts to complement the police where necessary, reaffirming that nothing would be spared in the pursuit of truth and justice.
The statement concluded on a resolute note:
“Our paramount responsibility is to safeguard justice, protect our people, and reinforce their faith in the system. The memory of Otunba Akingboye deserves truth; the people of Ondo State deserve justice; and our institutions must rise to the call of duty.”
