Francis Van-Lare, the father of Dr Ikenna Erinne’s estranged partner, has spoken out against allegations surrounding the circumstances of the deceased Nigerian doctor’s financial troubles and the custody battle that led to his tragic suicide.
Van-Lare’s new statements not only refute claims that Erinne’s professional medical licence had been revoked but also set the record straight about his daughter’s background, amid mounting social media speculations.
One of the key points of confusion that emerged following Erinne’s death was the claim that his medical licence had been revoked due to his financial struggles.
Van-Lare, however, emphatically dismissed this, revealing that Erinne held active medical licences in several US states, including Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland, and no single state could revoke them all.
To set the record straight, Dr. Ikenna Erinne’s licence was never revoked. He had active licences in Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland.
One state cannot revoke all licences at once, and none of his licences were revoked,” he wrote on his Facebook on Sunday.
Clarifying child support details
Van-Lare also addressed claims regarding the $15,000 monthly child support ordered by the US court, explaining that the amount was set due to the special needs of Erinne’s son, who requires constant medical care and attendance at a special needs school.
The child support was set that high because he has a physically challenged son who needs special care from different medical facilities, plus attending a special needs school, which costs money.
The courts consider the income of both parents before making such decisions. So, he is not a victim,” he explained.
Van-Lare voiced his frustration, pointing out that despite his financial obligations, Erinne’s main failure was not in handling his responsibilities but in failing his children, who are now left without a father.
His post continued, “He failed his son and daughter, and now they’re without their father. Which sane person takes his own life over the money he is supposed to use to support his children?
He was asked to pay child support, not alimony or spousal support, as my daughter is self-sufficient.”
In light of the hostage situation that occurred before Erinne’s suicide, where he reportedly held his ex-wife and children at gunpoint for hours, Van-Lare expressed his relief that the situation didn’t escalate further.
“I thank God that he did not shoot my daughter and grandchildren in his madness. He was not a victim here, and his actions were irrational. In the end, no one wins in this situation,” Van Lare said
Clarifying daughter’s background
Amid the fallout, Van-Lare also sought to dispel rumours that had surfaced online, particularly one suggesting that his daughter had been brought from Nigeria and sent to school by Erinne.
To clear up the misunderstanding, he clarified that his daughter was born in Long Island, New York, and is a full-blooded American citizen.
He said, “My daughter was born in Long Island, New York, a full-blooded American citizen. She was not brought from Nigeria and sent to school by the deceased cardiologist.
“She won a full sports scholarship in athletics and almost represented the USA in the 2012 Olympics in the 100m and 200m.
“She is also an accomplished pianist and trumpeter. She holds a Doctor of Medical Science degree.”
Van-Lare’s remarks paint a different picture of the estranged couple’s background, underscoring that his daughter’s achievements are rooted in her own merit and American upbringing, not in any relationship with Erinne.
Despite the controversies and personal anguish, Francis Van-Lare reiterated his wish for peace for all parties involved.
He prayed, “May his soul rest in peace, regardless. My family will raise the children without him, regardless of what’s happened.”
(PUNCH)