Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has emphasized the need for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to collaborate with the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) to rid off corruption and bad deeds in the society.
The Acting Governor stated this on Tuesday while receiving the commission led by its chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, at the Governor’s office, Agodi Ibadan.
The ICPC officials were on a condolence visit to Ibadan over the death of late Emmanuel Ayoola, the former chairman of the ICPC, who passed away last week Tuesday at the age of 90.
He explained that the Oyo state government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde, established OYACA, which is led by Justice Eni Esan (rtd), after the establishment of the ICPC to eradicate corruption and bad deeds.
The acting Governor asserts that in order to eradicate corruption and evil activities from society, both the OYACA, the state agency for Oyo, and the ICPC, the federal commission, can work together.
He said: “The ICPC and OYACA are establishments that are meant to rid off corruption and bad deeds in the society. I think moving forward, the results are coming out, especially with those in the government establishment.
“So, as a government, we are ready to collaborate with your commission and to assist which ever way we are deemed fit to fight against corruption and bad deeds.”
While expressing gratitude to the commission for its thoughtfulness and considerate condolence visit to the late Ayoola family and the government of Oyo, the acting Governor noted that late Ayoola’s exemplary life and work have left an indelible mark on the legal profession and inspire generations of legal practitioners and public servants.
He stated that Justice Ayoola contributed immensely to the growth and development of judiciary in Nigeria, as well as served in various departments rising from the court of appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to Barr. Lawal, when late Justice Ayoola retired from judiciary meritoriously, Nigeria decided to really invite him to continue to serve.
He recounted how the deceased was instrumental in the establishment of the ICPC and how he was also one of the lawyers who advocated for the commission’s existence.
He added that the ICPC was primarily established to combat corruption and get rid of bad deeds in the society.
Barr. Lawal stated: “After the ICPC was established, they looked around for someone to fit in. Hon. Justice Akanbi was appointed, and Justice Ayoola later took the mantle of leadership. These people have laid a solid foundation. But I have to congratulate you as well. We have no doubt in your capacity. Thanks for coming and God bless.”
Earlier in his remarks, the ICPC boss, Dr. Aliyu, who commended Oyo government for the warm reception, said their courtesy call was to express their sympathies to the state government and the good people of Oyo state regarding the passing of the late Ayoola, describing it as a sad loss.
He said late Ayoola made a significant contribution to the issue of human rights in the country and that his tireless efforts had led to the current reputation of the ICPC.
“We condone with the people of Oyo state government over the sad loss and we prayed God grant the late chairman an eternal rest.
“ICPC will never forget his good deeds but continue to make sure that the ICPC he left behind will sustain his legacy,” he added.
Ayoola, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, was the chairman of ICPC between 2005 and 2010.
He was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Western Nigeria, and soon after a judge of the High Court of Oyo State in 1976.
He served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Gambia (1980–1983) and was Chief Justice of the Gambia (1983–1992).
After his retirement in 2003, he became the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria between 2003 and 2005. Following his retirement, he became the Chairman of the Working Committee on Law Revision of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria in 2000.