The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, has called for enhanced collaboration between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
and the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency to strengthen the fight against corruption and misconduct across the nation.
Lawal made this appeal on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the ICPC, led by its Chairman, Musa Aliyu, at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan.
The visit was to offer condolences following the recent passing of former ICPC Chairman, Emmanuel Ayoola, who died last Tuesday at the age of 90.
“The ICPC and OYACA are both dedicated to combating corruption and malpractices within our society,” Lawal stated. “As a government, we are prepared to collaborate fully with your commission and provide support in any way necessary to intensify the fight against corruption.”
He further praised the contributions of the late Ayoola, highlighting his significant role in advancing human rights in Nigeria and in shaping the current standing of the ICPC.
“We mourn with the people of Oyo State over this great loss and pray for the eternal rest of the late Chairman. The ICPC will continue to honour his legacy by maintaining the high standards he set,” Lawal added.
During the visit, ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu also paid tribute to Ayoola, describing him as “one of the finest legal minds Nigeria has ever produced.”
He pledged that the ICPC would continue to uphold the principles and values that Ayoola championed during his tenure.
“We will ensure that the integrity and reputation of the ICPC remain intact, building upon the solid foundation laid by the late Ayoola,” Aliyu said.
A formal letter of condolence was presented to the Oyo State Government to conclude the visit.
Ayoola, who served as Chairman of the ICPC from 2005 to 2010, was a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and was widely respected for his contributions to the legal profession and his efforts in the fight against corruption.
