Paragraph 1: Clarifying the Allegations
Retired Brigadier-General Oluwole Rotimi, former military governor of the Old Western State, has vehemently refuted claims made by Chief Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun State, concerning the circumstances surrounding the late Bola Ige’s departure from the Obasanjo administration. Akande had asserted in a recent podcast that Rotimi warned Ige of dire consequences should he choose to resign from his position as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Rotimi, in a press conference held to commemorate his 90th birthday, categorically denied these allegations, clarifying that he had merely advised Ige against leaving the government, emphasizing Obasanjo’s appreciation for his services. He explicitly stated that he never threatened Ige with any repercussions.
Paragraph 2: The Context of the Advice
Rotimi explained that his counsel to Ige stemmed from a request by President Obasanjo himself, who had sought Rotimi’s intervention amidst mounting pressure on Ige to resign. Notable figures, including Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, were urging Ige to leave the administration. Rotimi, acknowledging this pressure, advised Ige to stay, highlighting the importance of his role and Obasanjo’s recognition of his value. He emphasized that his advice was born out of a desire to see Ige continue his service, not out of any malicious intent. This clarification underscores the difference between offering advice and issuing threats, a distinction that lies at the heart of Rotimi’s rebuttal.
Paragraph 3: Challenging Akande’s Account
Rotimi questioned the veracity of Akande’s account, urging him to verify his facts and avoid misrepresentations. He stressed the impossibility of his foreknowledge of any harm that might befall Ige, given his absence from the government at the time. This challenge to Akande’s narrative emphasizes the lack of evidence to support the claim of a threat. Rotimi’s firm denial and his call for factual accuracy aim to set the record straight and dispel any misconceptions surrounding his role in the events leading up to Ige’s tragic demise.
Paragraph 4: Critique of the Investigation
While denying any involvement in threatening Ige, Rotimi expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the investigation into Ige’s murder. He criticized the limited scope of the investigation, which primarily focused on Ige’s security personnel. He maintained that a more comprehensive approach, exploring all possible leads and circumstances, would have been more appropriate. This critique highlights the perceived inadequacies of the official inquiry and suggests that a broader, more thorough investigation could have uncovered more information surrounding the circumstances of Ige’s death.
Paragraph 5: Limitations and Reflections
Rotimi acknowledged his limitations in influencing the course of events, given his position outside the government. He expressed his sympathy for both Ige and the Nigerian populace, who had lost a respected leader. Despite his concerns about the investigation, he recognized his inability to directly intervene or effect change, highlighting the constraints he faced as a private citizen. This acknowledgment demonstrates Rotimi’s awareness of his limited capacity to influence the official investigation, even while expressing his reservations about its thoroughness.
Paragraph 6: Call for a Broader Approach
Rotimi advocated for a deeper investigation into Ige’s murder, emphasizing the need to explore avenues beyond the immediate security circle. He believed that limiting the investigation hindered the discovery of potentially crucial information. He lamented the missed opportunity to thoroughly examine all relevant facts and circumstances, suggesting that a broader perspective could have shed more light on the case and potentially led to a more conclusive outcome. His call for a more comprehensive approach reflects his belief that justice was not fully served by the initial investigation’s restricted focus.
