“I’m Still Running for My Life” — Driver of Slain Oyo Lawmaker Recounts Horror, Fears Assassins May Return

Wale Akintola, Ibadan

Olumide Adebayo, personal driver to the late Honourable Temitope Olatoye, popularly known as “Sugar,” has recounted how he narrowly escaped death during the violent ambush that led to the gruesome killing of the lawmaker on March 9, 2019, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Olatoye, who represented the Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was gunned down in Elesu village, Lalupon, under Lagelu Local Government Area, shortly after participating in the governorship election.

Speaking exclusively to this reporter, Adebayo described the moment as “the longest and most terrifying” of his life.

“We had just left the polling unit, and Oga insisted we check on our party agents at Lalupon. I had a strange feeling, but I couldn’t question him. As we drove towards Elesu village, the road suddenly became quiet, and before I knew it, we were under attack,” Adebayo said, visibly shaken.

Olumide Adebayo

According to him, heavily armed men emerged from the roadside and opened fire on their vehicle without warning.

“Oga was hit in the face. I saw blood and I panicked. I jumped out and ran through the bush. They wanted to kill me too. I ran for my life, barefoot, until I found shelter at a nearby hut,” he narrated.

The slain lawmaker was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan but was confirmed dead later that evening due to gunshot wounds to the head.

However, Adebayo’s ordeal did not end with his escape. He told our correspondent that he now lives in constant fear for his life.

“I know those people wanted me dead too. I was close to Oga, they know me, and I might have seen or heard something they don’t want to come out. Since that day, I’ve been hiding. I can’t go home, I can’t sleep well. I fear for my life every day,” he said, pleading for security protection.

The tragic incident has since drawn widespread condemnation from both political and civil society groups, with calls for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing and that investigations were ongoing.

Late Honourable Temitope Olatoye

Late Olatoye had contested the Oyo Central Senatorial seat under the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the 2019 elections but lost. His defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADP in 2018 had stirred political tensions in the state.

Adebayo, who is currently receiving support, called on security agencies to come to his aid, warning that he remains a potential target due to his close ties with the slain lawmaker.

“I can never forget that day. I saw death face to face. But now, every day feels like that day again,” he said.