The family left behind by the late first civilian governor of Osun State and the Raufu Aregbesola-led government in the state are presently engaged in what observers called ‘war of wits’ over the coroner inquest set up by the state government to determine the cause of death of the deceased Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Briefing journalists on Sunday, the family members of the late Senator led by Dr. Deji Adeleke rejected the inquest with its predetermined outcome.
According to Dr. Adeleke, “The Family hereby denounce in its entirety the ill advised and self serving coroner’s inquest ordered by the Osun State government purportedly set up to determine the cause of death of our dearly beloved Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
“We condemn in strictest terms the continuous politicization attempt by the state of this great loss to our family, particularly the ordering of this inquest at a time that we are still coming to terms with the harsh reality of his sudden departure and the pain and grief there from.
“As part of our attempts to reach closure and commence our healing process, the family had earlier ordered an autopsy to be carried out, this is the only scientific and globally accepted means of objectively determining the cause of death and we look forward to the reports therefrom, this is irrespective of the obvious infrastructural and technological limitations of medical laboratories in the country.
“We have been reliably informed by credible sources that the outcome of the ” kangaroo inquest” is already predetermined by the state and designed to serve its own interest with distorted facts and misinformation which will clearly not be in the interest of the good people of Osun in general and the Adeleke’s family in particular.
“We have therefore as a family resolved not to participate nor cooperate with the kangaroo styled panel set up by the state government, as the panel was clearly set up to serve the state own political interests and ultimate establishment of its own self serving ” facts”.
“While everyone including any government is entitled to his own opinion, the government inquest is an attempt to create its own “alternative facts”. Facts are sacred and the truth is constant, alternative facts are nothing but falsehood.
“We are therefore compelled to reject the inquest with its predetermined outcome. We also urge the people of Osun to discountenance this kangaroo inquest.
“We wish to reiterate in the strongest of terms that the report of the autopsy ordered by the family must be released to no one else other than the Adeleke family. Anything contrary to the conduct by the pathologists will be sanction by law. “
In a swift reaction, the state government said its step was the most acceptable standard in civilized societies.
The Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon however described the action of the Adeleke’s family as unfortunate.
The statement read: “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.
“As a government the step that has been taken is the most responsible and the most acceptable standard in any civilized society. 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 right 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.”
Packaged by Bunmi Oladejo
