I Didn’t Kill Bola Ige – Ministerial Nominee

The vexed issue of who killed former attorney-general and minister of justice, Chief Bola Ige, resonated on the floor of the Senate yesterday.
A ministerial nominee from Osun State, Alhaji Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan, made spirited efforts to clear his name from accusations that linked him to the brutal murder of Chief Ige.
The former justice minister was assassinated in his Bodija home, Ibadan on December 23, 2001.
As the Senate resumed the screening of ministerial nominees yesterday, former Adamawa State governor, Mr Boni Haruna, was the first to appear before it for his screening.
However, when it was the turn of Adesiyan to be screened, the question of who killed former attorney-general and minister of justice came up.
Senate President, David Mark, had in his usual manner asked Adesiyan to give explanations especially on those things that were not included in his curriculum vitae which he submitted to the Senate.
Adesiyan who was nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan from Osun State noted that he was one of those wrongly accused of having a hand in the death of Chief Bola Ige.
He said he knew nothing about the death of Chief Bola Ige, adding that the allegation against him was all political blackmail.
"I was detained for three and a half years for something I knew nothing about. I stand here to say that I knew nothing about the death of Chief Bola Ige."
Adesiyan described Chief Bola Ige as his political mentor, whom he had no reason whatsoever to kill.
There was sustained murmuring in the chamber as Adesiyan appeared to be emotional as he spoke about the late Chief Ige.
Senator Ehigie Uzamere (Edo South) interjected, raised his hand and was recognised by Mark.
Uzamere said, "Mr Nominee, you mentioned in the course of your speech the death of Chief Bola Ige. Can you swear by the Quran that you do not know anything about the death of Bola Ige?"
Some senators protested, shouting that the Senate chamber was not a place of worship or shrine. Others said that there was no Quran in the chamber.
Uzamere was not intimidated by the protest of some of his colleagues as he insisted that Adesiyan should answer the question.
In his response, Adesiyan said, "I do not know whether I can be availed of a copy of the Holy Quran. But I maintain that I did not kill Chief Bola Ige."