Family of the late Honourable Temitope Olatoye, member representing Lagelu/Akinyele federal constituency, on Thursday, fingered the federal and Oyo State government for not showing enough diligence to reveal those behind the killing of Olatoye, popularly called Sugar.
Demanding justice at a lying in state held at House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, Olatoye’s younger brother, Dotun and elder brother, Olajide, in their separate remarks, particularly bemoaned that two months after their brother’s killing, the Governor Abiola Ajimobi led state government had not made a bold statement on how to find the killers of Olatoye.
They said they were aware of attempts to absolve the killers of Olatoye and cover up the case, adding that government could have shown commitment to the case, by putting up a ransom to find Olatoye’s killers.
In his remarks, Dotun Olatoye bemoaned that the value that government across the country accorded human life continued to diminish, wondering why a serving federal lawmaker would be so killed and the culprits were yet to be brought to book since March 9, 2019 that the incident occurred.
“How would a honourable member of the federal republic of Nigeria be killed in such a devilish manner and the government of the state has not made a bold statement on how to find the killers of Temitope Olatoye up till now. It could have been anyone.
“People die in Bayelsa, Imo, that are not a public office holders and the government will put up a ransom to find the killers of such person. We have not seen that with any level of government.
“Are we saying that Honourable Olatoye has not done enough? He has paid more than his due. This man lost election, despite that, he gave all to the people. Is this a sane environment? I implore people in government to do more to value lives, not minding difference in political affiliations.
“The soul of Honourable Olatoye Sugar is demanding for justice from the government and people of the federal republic of Nigeria because he has served diligently as a man that has come to emancipate his people from the oppression of the oppressed. He demands justice from all of us,” Dotun said.
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In his own remarks, Olajide urged Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the state house of Assembly and the police not to be partial in handling the case, but ensure that justice is done.
“I urge the Oyo state government which is led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, to be non-partial in treating this case. I also urge our state lawmakers to ensure that justice is done on this case. Let justice be done. Sugar is a humanitarian, a freedom fighter, a friend of the masses. It will be unfair for the police and government not to bring the killers to justice,” Olajide said.
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.
Meanwhile, the session of tributes at the lying in state saw Speaker of State Assembly, Honourable Olagunju Ojo describes the late Olatoye as a colossus of monumental dimensions, unique in his cheerfulness and love for the downtrodden.
Also speaking, Honourable Olusegun Olaleye representing Ibadan North II warned Olatoye’s supporters against fighting the death of their judgement, but rather leave the case to God.
On his part, Honourable Joshua Oyebamiji of Akinyele 1 state constituency, called on friends and well-wishers to focus their attention on giving the deceased wives and children the needed support to live a fulfilling life.
In his own rendition, former lawmaker of the seventh Oyo Assembly, Mr Olagunju Kolade said Olatoye lived a short but purposeful life, evidenced by the haste at which he carried out his humanitarian works.
Also representing the seventh Assembly, Mr Alli Akinola described Olatoye as a philanthropist to the core not minding political affiliations, a politician of repute and voice of the voiceless.
A friend of the late Olatoye, Dr Ademola Rotimi assured of the sustenance of the Olatoye Sugar Foundation and its philanthropic gestures, in his memory.
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