Criminal Politics: Violence, “Godfathers” and Corruption in Nigeria

He suggested that “the attraction of the ambulances was simply the surplus N9
million,” which he alleged went into the pockets of Adedibu, Akala and the
participating local government chairmen. 204
In an interview with Human Rights Watch, Akala strenuously denied that any acts of
corruption took place under his watch as governor. 205
Prior to the elections a spokesman for Governor Ladoja claimed that corruption and
mismanagement under Akala’s previous tenure had a disastrous effect on government
programs meant to provide for education, potable water, and health care services. “We
had made a budget of N50 billion,” he said. “Within one month [of coming to power]
they increased it, and then they increased it [again] to N60 billion, with nothing to
show for it. Water stopped flowing, projects were abandoned.” 206
Akala’s New Administration
All signs indicate that Akala’s administration is likely to further entrench the culture
of impunity that allowed him to come into office. One of Akala’s earliest acts as
governor was to replace the state’s acting Chief Judge, who was investigating an
array of corruption allegations that had been brought against Akala before the 2007
election. The judge’s replacement immediately halted the investigation. 207
By the time Akala was sworn in as Governor, he and Adedibu had already left a trail
of violence, fraud and corruption in their wake, and neither they nor anyone else has
been held to account for any of it. Adedibu’s position appears to be secure as well.
In an interview with Human Rights Watch, Akala described his relationship with his
“godfather” (see box 4 below).
204 Human Rights Watch interview with Rashidi Ladoja, Ibadan, February 8, 2007; Human Rights Watch interview with Prince
Ade Adekanmbi, Special Advisor on Media and Strategy, Ibadan, February 7, 2007.
205 Human Rights Watch interview with Christopher Alao-Akala, Ibadan, February 10, 2007.
206 Human Rights Watch interview with Prince Ade Adekanmbi, Special Advisor on Media and Strategy, Ibadan, February 7,
2007.
207 Tunde Sanni, “New Acting Chief Justice Quashes Akala’s Indictment” Guardian, June 9, 2007. The move sparked protest
among Oyo’s legal community, which staged a boycott of all proceedings held in the new Chief Justice’s courtroom. Tunde
Sani, “Lawyers Boycott Oyo CJ’s court,” This Day, June 10, 2007.
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Human Rights Watch October 2007