The Ondo State Government has launched a formal investigation into the mysterious death of the Registrar of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Mr. Ezekiel Adeniran, who was found dead outside his Akure residence weeks ago.
Adeniran’s body was reportedly discovered in front of his home under circumstances that raised suspicions of assassination by unknown assailants.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has written to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, requesting a coroner’s inquest to establish the cause and manner of death and determine if anyone bears criminal responsibility.
“In the public interest, a formal coroner’s inquest is necessary to ascertain the cause and manner of death and to determine if any individual may bear criminal responsibility,” the letter read.
Justice Odusola has since appointed Chief Magistrate and Head of the Ondo State Multi-Door Court, Dr. Dickson Ogunfuyi, to preside over the inquest in accordance with the Coroners Law of Ondo State.
Ajulo assured that the proceedings would be conducted transparently and in full compliance with due process.
Confirming the incident, State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, described the case as an assassination.
He said preliminary findings suggested that “two men emerged from the bush and forced a substance into another person’s mouth,” though the exact location of the attack had not been confirmed.
Police say investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.