Ondo State — The family of the late former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (popularly known as “OBA”), has publicly rejected any attempt to gloss over or conceal the circumstances surrounding his death. They have made clear their resolve to pursue every possible means — legal, investigative, and public — to ensure the truth is known.
Background
Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, aged 60, was a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and politician. He ran on the SDP platform in the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party. His sudden death in the early hours of September 10, 2025, at his residence in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, came as a shock to many.
While initial reports suggested that Akingboye died quietly at home, emerging images of his body, allegedly showing bruises to the head, have sparked public suspicion. There are widespread questions around whether the death was truly from natural causes or whether foul play could be involved.
The Family’s Position
• Demand for Transparency: Samuel Akingboye, the eldest son, spoke out after being unable to get satisfactory or clear explanations from relevant authorities about how his father died. He called his father’s passing “shocking and inexplicable.” He said, “There has to be an explanation, and that explanation is what we are looking forward to.”
• Refusal of Speculation & Social Media Claims: While disturbing photographs and rumours have spread — including suggestions of physical injury or domestic incident — the family has cautioned the public to treat social media speculation with care. Samuel and daughter Michaella Akingboye stressed that not everything posted online is true, and they want evidence and credible investigation, not rumours.
• Support for Police Investigation: The family says it supports the police and expects a full, impartial inquiry. The Lagos State Police Commissioner has committed to a thorough investigation, including taking in staff from his home for questioning, and collecting physical and biological evidence from the residence.
• Insistence on Accountability: The family has vowed to resist any attempt at cover-up. This includes being proactive in the demand for answers and using every available legal and investigative channel to ensure there is no suppression of facts.
What Is Known So Far
• Akingboye was seen alive and well the day before his death.
• His body was later found in his home, with reports indicating possible bruising on his head.
• The Lagos State Police Command is handling the case; several domestic staff from his residence have been questioned.
• Money transfers amounting to about ₦205 million were alleged to have been moved from his bank account within hours after his death, which raised further suspicion. These funds were allegedly spread across three different accounts. An overseas-based investigator, Olujimi Lijoka, brought up that claim.
Implications and What to Watch
1. For the Justice System: The case will test the effectiveness and trustworthiness of investigative bodies and the police in Ondo and Lagos States. If handled well, it could restore confidence; if not, it could deepen public suspicion.
2. For Political Setting: Given his political profile, the death and surrounding controversy might generate heightened attention and scrutiny from civil society, media, and political opponents demanding full disclosure.
3. For the Family & Public: The family’s resistance to any cover-up could galvanize public interest. Transparency will become a benchmark, especially considering conflicting reports and the speed at which allegations have circulated.
4. Potential Legal Recourse: Depending on the findings, there may be lawsuits or demands for official inquiries, possibly even at state or federal levels, if evidence of wrongdoing emerges.
The family of Otunba Bamidele Akingboye has made it clear: they will not allow his death to be written off without answers. With signs pointing toward potentially suspicious circumstances, their calls for openness, forensic inquiry, and accountability appear likely to receive strong public attention. Whether those demands are met will depend on both the diligence of law enforcement and the pressure from civil society and the media.