Nigerian Police Detain Wife, Children Of Late Ondo Ex-Governorship Candidate Akingboye For His Alleged Murder

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of a former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, popularly known as OBA, with police authorities now arresting his wife and children for their alleged involvement.

A police source told SaharaReporters on Thursday that Akingboye’s death, initially announced as a sudden tragedy, is now being treated as possible homicide.

“On the update about OBA, the information is that he might have been murdered by his wife and children, and the domestic workers in the house all knew about it.

"CCTV footage showed that he was dragged out of the building at 2am. The wife and children have all been arrested and taken to custody since yesterday (Wednesday) at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos. The daughter is the only one at large,” the source disclosed. 

Akingboye, who died at his Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence in Lagos State at the age of 60, was widely known as a philanthropist, oil and maritime businessman, and political leader in Ondo State. 

Initially, his Personal Assistant and Media Adviser, Oyeniyi Iwakun, announced his passing in a glowing tribute. 

The aide described him as “a man of unwavering integrity, an accomplished businessman, philanthropist, visionary leader, and community builder.”

But speculations quickly emerged that his death was not natural. 

A source earlier told SaharaReporters that one of his wives had allegedly pushed him off a balcony during a domestic altercation.  

“With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our father, brother, mentor, and leader, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), CEO of Benshore Maritime, CEO of Clog Oil Systems, President of WeAfrica Group, the Olowomeye I of Ikaleland, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship Candidate in the 2024 Gubernatorial Elections,” Oyeniyi Iwakun, the deceased's Personal Assistant and Media Adviser had said in a statement.

“Otunba Akingboye passed away earlier today at his residence in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos. He was a man of unwavering integrity, an accomplished businessman, philanthropist, visionary leader, and community builder who lived a fulfilled and purposeful life.

“He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Burial arrangements and further details will be communicated in due course.”

A source last Saturday told SaharaReporters that Akingboye’s death wasn’t natural but caused by domestic violence.

The source urged security agencies to unravel the truth. 

“The SDP candidate in Ondo State who recently died was killed by his wife. She allegedly killed him by pushing off the balcony,” he said.

The development sparked suspicions of foul play. Images of his lifeless body circulated online showing bruises and deep cuts on his head and neck, and fuelling further outrage.

The late politician, who contested the November 16, 2024 Ondo State governorship election against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other candidates, was respected for his grassroots philanthropy and business achievements.

Police authorities had also assured the public that a discreet investigation was ongoing, vowing not to leave any stone unturned in uncovering the truth.