Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa calls for transparency and urgency in the Akingboye death investigation, insisting justice must prevail without compromise or political influence.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has raised serious concerns about the ongoing Akingboye death investigation, insisting that the suspicious circumstances surrounding the passing of Mr. Bamide Akingboye must be properly unraveled.
Aiyedatiwa stressed that the truth about the former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate’s death cannot be compromised, delayed, or swept aside.
Mr. Akingboye, who vied for the November 16, 2024, Ondo governorship election against Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other contenders, was discovered dead in early September at his Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence in Lagos.
His sudden demise shocked both political observers and citizens across Nigeria.
The case quickly became controversial after disturbing images of the deceased surfaced on social media, showing head injuries that suggested foul play.
These visuals stirred widespread outrage and triggered calls for accountability.
Responding to public pressure, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a forensic investigation. However, critics argue that the investigation has been sluggish and lacked transparency.
In a statement released in Akure by Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), Governor Aiyedatiwa confirmed that he had formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The governor requested a thorough, impartial, and uncompromised probe, noting that anything less would betray public trust.
He described Akingboye as “a prominent son of Ondo State and a respected political figure” whose unexpected death raises troubling questions.
“Aiyedatiwa argued that the people of Ondo deserve to know the truth, adding that “every life in Ondo State is valuable, and the loss of Otunba Akingboye must be investigated with urgency and honesty.”
Speaking further, the governor stressed:
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The integrity of our democracy requires that no influence, status, or manipulation should obstruct the truth. The people of Ondo State deserve reassurance that justice cannot be subverted.”
Aiyedatiwa urged the Inspector-General of Police to pursue the Akingboye death investigation with renewed vigour and accountability, warning that any attempt to sweep it under the rug would erode public confidence in the justice system.
To back his demands, the governor cited 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.
These provisions, he said, place a clear obligation on the Nigerian Police Force to investigate suspected crimes, especially deaths under suspicious circumstances.
Governor Aiyedatiwa further explained that his administration would not hesitate to enlist private forensic and investigative experts if necessary.
“Such collaboration, he noted, would strengthen the search for truth and ensure that no crucial evidence was overlooked.
“Our paramount duty is to uphold justice, protect our people, and secure their trust in the system.
“If it becomes necessary, we will complement the police investigation with independent forensic experts to unravel the mystery,” he stated.
The death of Akingboye carries heavy political implications. Beyond being a governorship candidate, he was a grassroots mobilizer with strong influence in Ondo politics.
His demise shortly after the election cycle has sparked fears of political violence, raising difficult questions about safety and accountability in Nigerian politics.
Analysts argue that Aiyedatiwa’s insistence on a transparent probe, even for a rival, demonstrates a rare sense of statesmanship.
It underscores his recognition that the credibility of Ondo’s democracy depends on the perception that justice is impartial and not selective.
The Nigerian public has followed the case closely, with citizens expressing skepticism over whether justice will truly be served.
On social media, many have demanded transparency, while civil rights groups continue to push for accountability.
Supporters of the late Akingboye have called the governor’s intervention a necessary step to restore faith in the rule of law.
Others remain doubtful, questioning the capacity of the Nigerian Police to conduct an investigation free from political interference.
These doubts reinforce the urgency of the governor’s demands and highlight the importance of openness in the Akingboye death investigation.
The tragedy has sparked wider conversations about the state of policing in Nigeria. Many commentators argue that the case illustrates the need for deeper reforms in the police force, including better training in forensic science, stricter oversight mechanisms, and more transparent investigative procedures.
Advocates stress that if handled properly, the case could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s justice system, setting a new standard for how suspicious deaths are treated, regardless of political sensitivities.
As investigations continue, the mystery surrounding Akingboye’s death remains unresolved.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s strong intervention highlights the seriousness of the matter and the urgent need to uncover the truth.
Ultimately, whether through the Nigerian Police Force or with the assistance of private experts, the circumstances of Akingboye’s death must be clarified.
Nigerians, and especially the people of Ondo, await justice, closure, and renewed confidence in their institutions.
The ongoing Akingboye death investigation is not merely about one individual’s passing—it is a test of Nigeria’s ability to uphold justice, ensure accountability, and protect the sanctity of human life in a fragile democratic space.
