Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, on Thursday, said he has forgiven all individuals involved in the legal and political controversies surrounding his role in the OPL 245 oil block case.

Adoke made the remark in Abuja during the public presentation of his new book, OPL245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. The memoir details his experience with the legal proceedings and public scrutiny over the 2011 oil block deal, which involved the transfer of the OPL245 license to Shell and Eni.

Speaking at the event, Adoke stated that the purpose of the book was to provide clarity and personal context, not to attack anyone. “This book is not written to denigrate anyone,” he said. “It is meant to put the records straight and offer my account of what transpired.”

He added that although the court cases and the surrounding controversy took a toll on his life, he had chosen to move on. “I have forgiven everyone behind my ordeal,” he said. “After the verdicts of the various courts, I initially returned to exile. It was Vice President Kashim Shettima who encouraged me to return and bring closure to the matter.”

Vice President Shettima, who was present at the launch, commended Adoke for what he described as a reconciliatory gesture. “I commend you for forgiving all those that offended you during your ordeal,” Shettima said. “I admire Adoke for standing by his convictions.”

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Bukola Saraki highlighted the broader implications of the case for Nigeria’s oil sector. “The oil sector is such an important part of our economy. We need to ensure that the process is more transparent and accountable,” Saraki said.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, who also attended, noted that books like Adoke’s offer critical personal perspectives. “Such accounts are necessary to help the public understand the experiences of those who have been accused and tried. They enable those persecuted to put things in perspective,” el-Rufai stated.

Vice President Shettima added that public figures have a duty to document their experiences. “Our stories are not ours alone. They belong to the public and to history. Every accused must speak. The pages of this book will inspire debate,” he said.

The OPL245 case, one of Nigeria’s most high-profile oil block scandals, has involved several years of litigation and international scrutiny. Adoke has maintained that his role in the deal was based on legal advice and the intention to resolve a longstanding dispute between the federal government and private parties.

The memoir, which recounts his perspective and defence, is being positioned by the author as a contribution to the historical record and ongoing discourse on governance, justice, and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector.