Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi facilitated the release of killers of Hon Olatoye Temitope a.k.a Sugar, who represented Lagelu/Akinyele federal constituency in the House of Representatives, his elder brother, Mr. Olajide Olatoye, has alleged.
The Nation reports that Olajide made the accusation on Thursday during the lying- in- state for the slain federal lawmaker held at the House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.
He noted that information reaching him indicated Ajimobi, in conjunction with some members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, were facilitating release of some suspects arrested in connection with the unfortunate assassination incident.
“Governor Abiola Ajimobi should desist from facilitating the release of the killers of my brother, let justice prevail.
“Oyo State government should remove hand in the investigation of the incident and allow the perpetrators of the evil act face the wrath of the law. Being a serving Oyo State House of Assembly member does not mean that you are untouchable,” he said.
Also speaking, the younger brother to the deceased, Mr. Dotun Olatoye, lamented the killers were yet to be nabbed despite all the support the family had been receiving from the federal and state government.
He pointed out that there was need to value human life because human life is sacred, wondering how a serving federal lawmaker will be killed without proper investigation and arrest of the perpetrators.
“Sugar was a great icon and the generalissimo of the masses, he has paid all his tributes while on earth, he was a man of peace, even when he lost an election, he remained calm,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji has rejected notions that Ajimobi was shielding suspects or attempting to discontinue investigation into the incident.
Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, Tunji held that Ajimobi had shown enough sincerity about the case by mandating the police to investigate and bring culprits to book, adding that the police had not reported any challenge in concluding their investigation.
“We have a governor who is concerned about ensuring peace and adequate security for the people and if a citizen of the state dies, he won’t say that the culprits should not be punished. The family should get their information right.
“The governor will not support sweeping such a case under the carpet. When he died, we said those who perpetrated the act will be brought to justice. He has never said anything contrary to that since the incident and that still stands. What we are saying is that the police should do more of its job.
“What other bold statement will the governor make? The governor has already directed security agencies to fish out the culprits in the case. If the police is facing any challenges in their investigation, they will inform us. The police has not told us they are facing any challenge.
“The family should find out from the police how far they have gone rather than say that the governor is trying to facilitate the suspected killers’ release,” Tunji said
