Adeda’s Death: Otovwodo protesters demand probe, suspension of commissioner
Residents of Otovwodo community in Ughelli Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, have protested the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, demanding a thorough investigation and the suspension of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu.
The protesters, comprising youths, women and men, took to the streets on Wednesday, calling on the state government to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death of the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education were fully investigated.
At an emergency meeting held at the Otovwodo Community Town Hall after the protest, community leaders urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to suspend the commissioner and a director allegedly linked to the incident pending the conclusion of investigations.
“We recommend to the Delta State Governor that the said Commissioner and the Director for Secondary Education be suspended from their respective offices with immediate effect pending determination of the allegation levelled against them,” the community said in a communiqué.
The communiqué was signed by Prince Elvis Oharisi, President; Evangelist Marvellous Osawhere, Secretary; Prince Samuel Onobitewwe, Publicity Secretary; Pa Chief Peter Waka Oru, the community’s eldest man; Sir Luis Ishakare, Otota; and Mama Omatie Oharisi, spokesperson for the women’s group, Ewheya.
Oharisi said the community was devastated by Adeda’s death and wanted the authorities to establish what transpired and ensure that anyone found culpable faced the law.
He described the deceased as a dedicated civil servant, good father, husband and friend who contributed positively to the community and maintained close ties with its residents.
While acknowledging the state government’s decision to set up a committee of inquiry, the community said an administrative panel alone would not be sufficient to address the issues surrounding the death.
“While we acknowledge and commend the State Government for constituting a Committee of Inquiry to look into the incident, we hold the considered view that the mere constitution of a committee is not sufficient to meet the ends of justice,” the communiqué stated.
The community consequently called on law enforcement agencies to conduct an independent and impartial criminal investigation, urging that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted.
“We hereby urge the State Government to go beyond committee and allow the relevant law enforcement agencies to conduct impartial and discreet investigation with a view to ensuring that all persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with extant laws,” the leaders said.
The community also called for appropriate action against other persons allegedly connected to the incident and urged the Inspector-General of Police to examine the conduct of the police orderly attached to the commissioner.
The demands came against the backdrop of the ongoing police investigation into the death. The Delta State Police Command had announced that the commissioner and other suspects were in custody, while a manhunt was launched for Mrs Clemetine Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, the commissioner’s driver.
The community said it would pursue legal action if necessary but appealed to residents, particularly youths, to remain peaceful while investigations continue.
“We shall not hesitate to seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the communiqué stated.
The leaders added: “We reiterate our commitment to peace and being law-abiding, and implore our teeming youths to remain calm and not take laws into their own hands.”
They also condoled with Adeda’s family and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss.
