The Ondo State Government has begun an investigation into the death of the registrar of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Mr Ezekiel Adeniran, who died a few weeks ago at his residence in Akure, the state capital.
Adeniran was said to have been found dead in front of his residence in Akure, raising suspicion that he was assassinated by unknown persons.
To this end, the Ondo State Ministry of Justice has requested a coroner’s inquest into Adeniran’s death.
In a letter to the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Segun Odusola, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, said a former inquiry in the form of a coroner’s inquest became warranted to ascertain the cause and manner of the deceased’s death.
According to the AG, the deceased had been widely reported to have died under questionable circumstances, explaining that the coroner’s inquest would determine if any individual may bear criminal responsibility.
The letter read that, ‘in the public interest, a formal coroner’s inquest is necessary to ascertain the cause and manner of the death and to determine if any individual may bear criminal responsibility’.
Ajulo stated that the inquest would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Coroners Law of Ondo State and requested that a magistrate within the appropriate jurisdiction be assigned to serve as coroner.
‘Following briefing and information at my disposal, I believe that in the public interest, a formal inquiry in the form of a coroner’s inquest is warranted’, the letter read.
Acting on the request, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Honourable Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola, has appointed the Chief Magistrate and Head of the Ondo State Multi-Door Court, Dr Dickson Ogunfuyi, to serve as the coroner.
The attorney general expressed assurance that the inquest would be conducted with full transparency and adherence to due process.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, had confirmed that the matter was a case of assassination.
The PPRO said, ‘I can confirm to you that the man was killed. From the information I have at my disposal, two men came out of the bush, and they forced a substance into another person’s mouth. But I can’t confirm to you where it happened, but our area of interest is to unravel who is responsible for his death’.
