71-year-old cleric dies in Ondo hotel, family petitions police
A 71-year-old cleric, Mr Omotayo Ezekiel Fajana, was found dead in a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, hours before he was to be crowned Head Prayer Warrior Father of a Cherubim and Seraphim Church.
Fajana had travelled to the town to attend the programme at Ogo Orimolade C&S Church, Okerigbo, where he was expected to be formally installed in the spiritual position.
The event, however, took a tragic turn when the cleric was reportedly found lifeless in the hotel where he had lodged ahead of the ceremony.
The circumstances surrounding his death have raised concerns among family members and church associates, prompting a police investigation.
Sources said controversy arose after the deceased’s body was allegedly moved from the hotel to a mortuary in neighbouring Ikare-Akoko before a formal medical certification of death was obtained.
The development reportedly raised questions about whether proper procedures were followed after his body was discovered.
Family members, unsettled by the circumstances, were said to have petitioned the police, leading to a full-scale investigation.
Detectives are working to determine the exact cause of death and reconstruct the events preceding the tragedy, including identifying those who were with the deceased before he was found dead.
As part of the investigation, three persons have reportedly been taken into custody and are assisting the police with inquiries.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the matter was under investigation.
He said detectives were examining all aspects of the case to establish whether any foul play was involved and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
