…”every Ondo citizen’s life is valuable; the circumstances surrounding the death must be thoroughly investigated, and justice must be upheld”- Gov. Aiyedatiwa
The Office of the Attorney General of Ondo State, acting on the directive of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has written to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), expressing grave concern over the untimely and questionable death of Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, a prominent indigene of the state and respected political figure.
In the letter, signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, on the Governor’s directive, the state government described Akingboye as “a distinguished son of Ondo State, a respected political figure, and a man of immense community value whose life and contributions cannot be trivialised.”
“In the letter, the Attorney General conveyed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s displeasure at the circumstances surrounding Akingboye’s death, noting that they had raised serious questions that must not be ignored. The letter also expressed dissatisfaction with the feedback so far received on the ongoing investigation, stressing that it falls short of the level of transparency, urgency, and commitment expected in a matter of such gravity.
The letter stressed that every Ondo State indigene’s life is precious to both the Governor and the people of the state, adding that Akingboye’s tragic passing demanded nothing less than a thorough, impartial, and uncompromised investigation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, reaffirming his administration’s stance through the letter, said: “We owe it to our people to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. No influence, status, or circumstance should be allowed to obstruct the truth. Otunba Akingboye’s death is a painful loss to Ondo State, and we will do everything within the law to ensure that the circumstances are fully uncovered and justice is served.”
The letter further warned that Ondo State people must be assured that “neither status, influence, nor manipulation can subvert justice in our communities,” urging the IGP to pursue the matter with renewed vigour, diligence, and transparency until justice is served.
Citing constitutional provisions, the letter drew strength from Section 214 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 4 and 6 of the Police Act Cap. P19 LFN 2004, and Sections 115–116 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which saddle the Nigeria Police with the sacred duty of ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly and transparently to their logical conclusion, particularly in serious cases such as murder.
Significantly, the government disclosed its readiness to engage private forensic and investigative experts, if necessary, to complement the work of the police in order to unravel the truth.
The letter concluded by stressing: “Our paramount duty is to uphold justice, protect our people, and secure their trust in the system.”