Coroner fixes May 29 for verdict on Adeleke’s death

The panel set up by the Osun state government to unravel the cause of the death of Isiaka Adeleke, lawmaker who represented Osun west senatorial district in the 8th assembly, has fixed May 29 to release its findings.

The panel began its investigations on May 10.

Olusegun Ayilara, the coroner, who made this known while speaking at the court’s sitting on Monday, said 10 out of the 15 respondents summoned by the court had appeared before it and testified.

He said no one would be compelled to appear before it, and that after the final verdict on May 29, the court would know its next step.

“This court summoned 15 persons to appear before it in an advertisement which was published on May 11 in two national newspapers, the Tribune and The Nation,” Ayilara said.

“However, only 10 out of the respondents appeared before this court. I will not force anybody to appear before this court neither can we wait forever for them to appear.

“Their refusal to appear before this tribunal is intentional and so I am setting Monday, May 29 for the final verdict. By then we should know where we are going.”

The family of the late Adeleke refused to appear before the panel saying the senator’s death was being politicised by the state government.

The Osun government had argued that the inquest was not to set up please anyone but was done for the good of the society.

“It was set up for the good of the society.And to the extent that this was set up not to please anyone but for the good of our society,” a statement by Semiu Okanlawon, director, bureau of communication and strategy in the office of the Osun state governor, had read.

“We are all bereaved and mourning the unfortunate death of one of our illustrious sons and most importantly a former Governor of our dear state.

“It would not be in the best interests and Honour of the departed soul for the government to engage the family on a matter of this nature.

“It is, therefore, trite to state that the Adeleke Family has right to all the choices open to them just as we are sure this is a matter that is already in the court of public opinion.”