Osun: Adeleke’s family free to reject coroner’s inquest

The Osun state government says its decision to unravel the cause of the death of Isiaka Adeleke, who represented Osun west in the senate, “was for the good of the society”.

The state government said this in reaction to the rejection of the inquest offered by the state government.

Deji Adeleke, younger brother to the late senator, while speaking with reporters on Sunday, described the inquest as politicising the family’s loss.

But in a statement, Semiu Okanlawon, director, bureau of communication and strategy in the office of the Osun state governor, said the family of the deceased had a right to reject the inquest.

He however said that the step taken by the government “is the most responsible and the most acceptable standard in any civilised society”.

“The attention of the government of the state of Osun has been drawn to a press conference purportedly held by the family of first civilian governor of our state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke where it rejected the Coroners Inquest instituted by the government into the unfortunate and sudden death of our beloved former governor. This is rather unfortunate,” it read.

“The decision to institute an inquest into this sudden death was not to please or satisfy anyone at all. 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.

“We are all bereaved and mourning with 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.”