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Tag: Autopsy

  • Mohbad: 12 important things you should know about autopsy

    Mohbad: 12 important things you should know about autopsy

    Following the heated controversy surrounding the death of singer, Promise Ileriolowa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad who died on Tuesday, September 12, the call for autopsy resonated across social media platforms.

    This forced the hand of authorities and family members to give in while a thorough investigation was being carried out in the pursuit of justice for the deceased as well as his grieving loved ones and fans.

    Below are important things you should know about autopsy:

    An autopsy, also known as necropsy, postmortem, or postmortem examination is a specialised surgical procedure used to determine the cause and manner of death. The cause of death is the medical reason explaining why a patient passed. The manner of death is the circumstances surrounding and leading to the death.

    An autopsy may also be performed to observe the effects of disease and to establish the evolution and mechanisms of disease processes.

    It involves the dissection and examination of a dead body and its organs and structures.

    Read Also: Why MohBad was hastily buried, by dad

    There are generally two types of autopsies depending on the manner of death. The first is a forensic autopsy, which is done to find the cause of death and to collect any evidence from the body that might help in a police investigation. The other kind is a medical autopsy, which is done in a hospital for research or informational purposes.

    The Forensic Autopsy is also called a “medico-legal” autopsy. This type of autopsy is performed at the request of law enforcement by the coroner or medical examiner who has medico-legal authority where the death occurred. A forensic autopsy is needed when a person’s death is suspicious, unexpected, or unnatural. It may also be conducted if the person was involved in a crime to collect evidence for the case.

    The medical autopsy is performed in the hospital, by the pathologist, based on the consent of the deceased’s next of kin in order to find and better understand the causes of death.

    The cause of death in medical autopsies is often already known and so the purpose of the autopsy is more an attempt to answer specific questions that family members or physicians may have regarding the case.

    An autopsy is performed like a surgical operation. The steps may include:

    The autopsy is performed as soon as possible following the family’s consent.

    It is performed by a specially qualified doctor, called a pathologist, who is assisted by a technician.

    The room in which the autopsy is performed is very similar to a hospital operating theatre.

    The body is laid out carefully on an examination table.

    The pathologist first looks at the body, noting its appearance.

    Photographs and X-rays may be taken.

    The pathologist makes a cut on the body from the collarbone to the lower abdomen to examine the chest and abdominal organs.

    Tiny tissue samples are taken from each organ for examination under a microscope and may also be sent for chemical analysis or microbiological culture.

    In most cases, the brain is examined. This requires cutting through the scalp and skull. The brain is a very fragile organ – to examine it carefully and properly may take up to three weeks.

    Some organs may need to be kept for up to six weeks so that further tests can be performed in the pathology department.

    After the autopsy, the organs are replaced and the skin is stitched (sutured) closed again as happens after any operation.

    The post-mortem can take up to three hours.

    Tissue samples taken from the body are usually kept in the laboratory. The samples are kept in the hope that technological advances may one day answer any remaining questions about the cause of death or the nature of the disease. Keeping tissue samples requires the specific consent of the deceased’s next of kin.

    Organs that have been retained for further testing are returned to the family, disposed of by the hospital, or kept for future medical research and training of medical staff, according to the family’s wishes.

    Once the autopsy is complete, the body can be collected by the family’s chosen funeral director. If some of the organs have been retained for further testing, the funeral may need to be delayed for a few days or weeks if the family wants the body to be whole before it is buried or cremated. In this case, the funeral director can arrange to embalm the body.

    A preliminary report is available within the first few days, but the full results of the autopsy are not usually available until around six to 12 weeks later.

  • Five ways to verify autopsy

    Five ways to verify autopsy

    Autopsies play a crucial role in determining the cause of death and providing valuable insights into medical conditions and forensic investigations.

    Conducted by pathologists, autopsies involve a thorough examination of a deceased person’s body to uncover any underlying diseases, injuries, or evidence of foul play.

    While autopsies are primarily conducted by professionals, there are several ways in which individuals can check the results and findings of an autopsy for various purposes.

    Here are five ways to verify autopsy results:

    1. Request a copy of the autopsy report: If you have a legal right or personal interest in the autopsy findings, you can request a copy of the official autopsy report. Autopsy reports typically contain detailed information about the examination, including the cause of death, description of injuries or diseases, toxicology results, and other relevant findings. Make sure to contact the appropriate authority, such as the medical examiner’s office or the hospital where the autopsy was performed, to initiate this process.

    2. Seek a second opinion: If you have concerns about the accuracy or conclusions drawn from the initial autopsy, seeking a second opinion from another qualified pathologist can provide additional insights. This is particularly useful in cases where the cause of death is unclear or disputed. A second opinion can help ensure that all relevant factors have been considered and increase confidence in the accuracy of the autopsy findings.

    3. Consult a forensic expert: In some cases, especially those involving legal implications, consulting with a forensic expert can be beneficial. Forensic experts possess specialized knowledge and experience in analyzing post-mortem examinations and can provide an impartial assessment of the autopsy results. They can also help interpret complex findings and provide expert testimony if required during legal proceedings.

    4. Review medical records and history: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances leading to a person’s death, it is essential to review their medical records and history. This information can provide valuable context to the autopsy findings and help identify underlying health conditions or potential factors contributing to the cause of death. Collecting medical records from relevant healthcare providers can help ensure a complete picture of the deceased’s medical background.

    Read Also: Aproko Doctor demands autopsy on Mohbad

    5. Engage in open communication: If you have concerns or questions about the autopsy findings, it’s important to engage in open communication with the pathologist or medical examiner involved. They can provide clarification, explain the process, and address any doubts you may have. Open dialogue and clear communication can help establish trust and ensure that you fully understand the results of the autopsy.

    In conclusion, autopsies serve as vital tools in determining the cause of death and providing valuable insights for medical and legal purposes. While the majority of autopsies are conducted by professionals, there are ways in which individuals can verify and check autopsy results. By requesting a copy of the autopsy report, seeking a second opinion, consulting forensic experts, reviewing medical records, and engaging in open communication, one can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the findings and ensure the accuracy of the autopsy.

  • ‘Baby buried without autopsy on doctor’s recommendation’ 

    Fifteen-month-old Taye Adetunji, who died on Sunday under curious circumstances at HJ CLAIROOWEN Medical Centre, 10, Busari Street, Egbeda, Lagos, was buried without autopsy based on the clinic’s recommendation, the family has alleged.

    The child’s father, Adeola Adetunji, told our correspondent yesterday that the private hospital contacted someone at a cemetery near Command, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos and gave his brother the number of the person, for them to bury the infant there.

    Adetunji said they were given a medical report, which they took to the cemetery and gave the person ’Nurse’ Dayo Badmus linked them with, to enable them bury the baby.

    He said: “Before I came to Lagos on Monday morning, the nurse (Badmus) spoke to my brother and gave a number from the cemetery to him. Badmus directed us to the place to bury the baby. They buried the baby at Command, Ayobo, Ipaja.

    “When I returned, my baby was already dead. Yes, I saw the baby. The ‘doctor’ (Badmus) told my family that he had got a place for them and directed them to the cemetery at Command, Ipaja.

    “I asked for doctor’s report and he wanted to write it on a paper, but I refused, saying it should be on the clinic’s letterhead. He later brought the letterhead, wrote the report and signed it.

    “We gave the cemetery attendant the doctor’s report before we were allowed to bury the baby there. We also paid N7,000 at the cemetery.

    “We agreed to use the cemetery because my baby deserved last respect. We did not know about autopsy and the doctors did not say anything like that. They just told us that we should go and bury the baby and since my family lives in a rented apartment, it would not have been easy to get a burial place by ourselves. My house is in Ogun State.”

    Read also: Revealed: Baby buried without autopsy on ‘doctor’s’ recommendation

    Lagos State Government, through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has shut down the medical centre, while investigations into the allegations continue.

    The Director for Public Health, Mrs. Adeola Salako, confirmed the closure to our correspondent on the phone.

    She said investigation would be thorough and findings made public.

    Health Commissioner Jide Idris, in a phone chat with The Nation, dismissed claims by the medical director that Dr. Joy had been sacked.

    He said investigations into the matter were still on.

  • Police to conduct autopsy on Kogi’s Soje

    Police to conduct autopsy on Kogi’s Soje

    The Kogi State Police Command yesterday said it will conduct autopsy on the body of the late director in the state Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Edward Soje, who committed suicide.

    Soje’s body was discovered last Thursday hanging on a tree behind the Mammy Market at the Maigumeri Cantoment Army Command Records in Lokoja.

    He committed suicide by hanging himself few days after his wife delivered a set of triplets in a hospital in Abuja after 17 years of marriage.

    The Kogi Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Williams Ayah, said yesterday, that the command has decided on an autopsy to ascertain what actually led to his death.

    He noted that as at the time the military found his body hanging on a tree, there was no suicide note on him, stressing that the deceased was suffering from partial stroke before he committed suicide.

    Ayah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said that investigation has commenced on the matter.

    The Kogi State Head of Service, Deborah Ogunmola in a press statement on Sunday, disputed reports that the late Soje was being owed 11 month’s salary arrears by the government, saying that the deceased was last paid in December 2016.
    According to her, Soje continued to receive his salaries till December last year, while the Staff Screening and Verification exercise was on-going.

    “His pay was stopped after proof emerged that he falsified his age records.

    “Following engagements with labour which spanned several months, the Kogi State governor magnanimously commuted the disciplinary action due against certain categories of offenders by grant of pardon. Mr. Soje fell into one of the categories.

    “Pardoned staff were processed for reinstatement and payment in batches. Mr. Soje was in the September 2017 batch and he was aware of this fact.

    “The Kogi State Teaching Service Commission where he worked has forwarded a template for payment to government and Mr. Soje was aware that he was listed to receive six months back pay, leaving only two months (August and September) outstanding,” she asserted.

    Read Also: Police arrest man for allegedly killing commercial sex worker

  • Autopsy: Adeleke family angry with LAUTECH

    Autopsy: Adeleke family angry with LAUTECH

    The family of the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke has faulted a claim by a Chief Pathologist, Dr. Taiwo Solaja that the deceased’s family is not entitled to an autopsy report.

    In a statement, the deceased’s younger brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, expressed the family’s dissatisfaction at the manner the autopsy report was handled by the pathologist and LAUTECH.

    He described the claim as false, unjustifiable, unethical, unprofessional and ridiculous.

    Dr. Adeleke accused LAUTECH of refusing to release the remaining sample of tissues removed from the body of the deceased for the conduct of the autopsy that would have helped the family to seek the conduct of “a second autopsy from an ethical, professional and non-political medical facility outside Osun State.”

    Adeleke, who insisted that the family reserved the right to be given the report, claimed that they took the body of the late senator to LAUTECH and requested that an autopsy be conducted, after paying for the service.

    He said the deceased’s younger sister, Mrs. Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, signed an authorisation letter on behalf of the family.

    Dr. Adeleke lamented that the hospital did not issue receipt for payment because it was on a Sunday, saying although Prof. Lasisi promised to issue the receipt on Monday, the family was yet to get it.

    He said: “The family ordered for the conduct of the autopsy from the Osun State government-owned LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, as an institution and not from the Chief Pathologist, Dr. Solaja. The autopsy was conducted with the family by Prof. Lasisi.”

    The statement said: “On the 9th of May, 2017, the Family requested for the Autopsy report after the expiration of the agreed two (2) weeks period for completion of same. The Chief Medical Director of the Osun State owned LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo Prof. Akeem Lasisi; who claimed to be away in Abuja at the time, confirmed that the Autopsy report was ready and that a copy was already with the Osun State Police Command, while another copy was with the Chief Pathologist at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. Alarmed at such a position, the Family queried why a copy of the Autopsy report would be with the Police Command without any copy given to the Family that ordered the Autopsy in the first instance. The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akeem Lasisi now changed the story saying that the Autopsy was only conducted at the Nigeria Police Forensic Laboratory in Lagos. The Chief Medical Director then promised to send a copy of the Autopsy Report to the Family upon his arrival from Abuja on Monday May 15th, 2017. The Family waited all day on the said Monday for the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akeem Lasisi to revert as promised to no avail. The Family then called the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akeem Lasisi at 5.14pm of the same Monday, 15th May, 2017 to remind him to send the Autopsy Report as promised. The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akeem Lasisi changed the story again, saying that the report was not ready. When asked by the Family for when the report will be finally ready, he responded: “AS SOON AS POSSIBLE”.

    “Unknown to the Family this same Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akeem Lasisi had already appeared and testified under oath before the Osun State Kangaroo Inquest, earlier the same day where he testified conclusively, that the cause(s) of the sudden death of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke was a result of “banned injection overdose” given to him, relying on 3rd party “hearsay” instead of a FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY Report. The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akeem Lasisi deliberately did not disclose to the Inquest that the Autopsy Report was not ready.

    “It is quite disheartening, that we live in a country where some of our supposed professionals can be so easily compromised by their Paymasters without any regard to the oath they swore to as medical health practitioners.

    “The Chief Pathologist of the Osun State-owned LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo added “salt to our injuries”, when he told the Kangaroo Inquest on May 19th, that the Adeleke Family was not entitled to the Autopsy Report, because the instruction to carry out the Autopsy was given to him by his Boss, and not the Adeleke Family, which is ridiculous and a complete falsehood.

    “Therefore, the Chief Pathologist’s claim that the Adeleke Family is NOT ENTITLED to the Autopsy report because the instruction to conduct the Autopsy was given to him by his Boss and not directly by the Family, is unethical, unprofessional and utterly ridiculous, to say the least.”

    Saying the family did not intend to fight anybody over the matter, he noted that they only wanted to know the cause of Adeleke’s death.

    His words: “The Adeleke family has decided to leave everything to God. We rest our case.”

  • NYSC member’s body to be exhumed for autopsy

    NYSC member’s body to be exhumed for autopsy

    AN autopsy to find out what killed a Youth Corps member at the Kano Orientation Camp is to be conducted.

    The body is to be exhumed for the autopsy, it was learnt yesterday.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an independent investigation into the death of Miss Ifedolapo Oladepo.

    Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung, whose ministry supervises the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), said that the exhumation of Ifedolapo’s body would assist the authorities to get to the root of her death.

    The late Ifedolapo, 26, graduated with a First Class in Transport Management at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

    She died on November 29 and her remains were buried in her home town of Ila Orangun, Osun State, on December 1.

    The NYSC explained that there was no negligence by its officials who handled the treatment of the 2016 Batch B Youth Corps member, adding that she suffered a kidney problem, which had been untreated.

    But family members have disputed the claim, following which the President ordered an independent probe into the matter.

    Speaking with reporters at the State House in Abuja yesterday, Dalung said although the report given by the NYSC indicated that Ifedolapo’s death was natural, the autopsy would unravel the cause.

    He said: “In view of the fact that there are many versions of what led to the death of the NYSC member, it would be fair to look at another version of what happened to be sure of what actually transpired.

    “It doesn’t have to do with not trusting the process; but gauge the report alongside other opinion, then, we will be able to tell Nigerians that this is the circumstance on how she died.

    “Don’t forget that the report of the NYSC has no autopsy and an independent investigation will require an autopsy and now the autopsy alongside the report will balance and fortify the conclusion the government will make,” Dalung said.

    The late Ifedolapo’s sister, Mrs Oyeyode Abimbola, a nurse, claimed that she told her that she was not well attended to.

    She said: “Ifedolapo called me five hours to her death and told me to start coming to Kano, because the NYSC doctors were not attending to her. They thought she was pretending in order not to go for morning parade; so they did not attend to her.

    “When she started calling people from home, they eventually gave her an injection. Immediately after that, she called me again that she noticed a lot of rashes on her body and told me to speak with the doctor, who had refused to talk to me.

    “She called five minutes later and told me her tongue was twisting, then they sent all her friends out after seeing all the reaction on her body after giving her the unknown injection.”

    “I took a 16-hour journey to ensure I got to her but I was called around 3am that she gave up.”

    The NYSC’s report stated that: “On examination, the doctors noticed rashes on her legs, which she claimed started appearing as a result of her using second-hand knickers without washing.

    “The doctors treated her with Arthemeter 160mg, Piriton tablet and Paracetamol and released her.

    “At 3 am, on November 28, Ifedolapo was brought back to the camp clinic by her colleagues, with further complaints of vomiting and general body pains. After further examination, the doctors noticed that the rashes on her legs had increased, which she still dismissed as reaction to using second-hand knickers. She was thereafter admitted at the clinic and treated with Drazamol injection and Piriton to soothe her body pains as she was already on malaria drugs.

    “Her home doctor further affirmed to the CMD at the camp clinic that the line of treatment given was good and the drugs administered were normal. It was at this point she complained she had not urinated for sometime. This was the note of alarm that hastened her referral to Gwarzo General Hospital by 4 pm.”

    Describing allegations of negligence on the part of NYSC as unfounded, NYSC Director-General Brig. Gen. Sule Kazaure said the Orientation Camp clinic had 31 qualified and registered doctors, 20 pharmacists and 11 nurses.

    “There are no student doctors, as all the doctors are fully certified by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).”

  • Keshi: Foreign pathologist, CP Wilson Akhiwu to perform autopsy

    Keshi: Foreign pathologist, CP Wilson Akhiwu to perform autopsy

    Foreign Pathologist and Commissioner of Police, Wilson Akhiwu have been confirmed to perform the autopsy on the late Stephen Keshi to ascertain what led to his sudden death.

    Family sources said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Pinnick will bear the expenses for the pathologists.

    The family sources also said that the delay in  autopsy is due to the absence of Jennifer, the eldest daughter of the late former super Eagles coach.

    Jennifer is expected to arrive Nigeria today from the United States of America, and possibly be in Benin same day.

  • Police conduct autopsy on dead married woman found in hotel

    The police in Edo State has conducted autopsy on the remains of one Yvonne Omoarebokhae, a married woman who was found dead in a hotel room after allegedly having a fling with one Apostle Psalm Okpe.

    Apostle Okpe has since been arrested and is helping police with investigations.

    A church in Benin City, Canaan Land Deliverance Ministry where Apostle Okpe was supposed to participate in a programme, has dropped the name of Apostle Okpe as one of the invited guest pastors.

    The autopsy on Yvonne, a gospel singer, was done on last Saturday.

    A family member who pleaded anonymity said results of the autopsy would be out soon.

    He debunked reports on social media that autopsy report showed that late Yvonne died of cardiac arrest.

    The family member accused friends of Apsotle Okpe of spreading the cardiac arrest reports.

    Late Yvonne made friend with Apostle Okpe on Facebook and after weeks of chatting, Apostle Okpe invited her to perform in some of his programme in Warri, Sapele and Benin.

    She went to Warri with Apostle Okpe on April 7 and was found dead in a hotel room the next day.

    Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, who confirmed the report said only a post mortem, would determine the actual cause of death.

  • Church calls for autopsy on dead kids

    The Christ Crusaders’ Deliverance Ministry has called for an autopsy on the bodies of the kids dumped on its camp ground at Matogun, Olambe, Ogun State.

    It made the call yesterday at a briefing tagged: “Missing Dead Kids Dumped Inside Church’s Premises – Our True Story” held in the church headquarters in Akute, Ogun State.

    Contrary to reports, the kids -Isaac Ayegbo (six) and Ayomide Innocent (four)- were found dead inside a broken down Nissan car on the premises on Tuesday at 2.47 am immediately after a vigil.

    According to eyewitnesses, the bodies were discovered inside a broken down car parked beside a Hyundai Coastal bus owned by the women wing on the premises after a vigil.

    The members called the attention of the pastor-in-charge, Babalola Olakunle.

    The church spokesperson, Pastor Yemi Adebisi, said: “On seeing the bodies, the church informed the police.

    “We are not aware of how and when the bodies got into the said vehicle. But immediately the pastor-in-charge was alerted, a call was put across to the General Overseer, Pastor Festus Adewole, who also advised that they inform the police immediately.

    “The church pastorate went to Ajunwon Police Station to lodge a complaint. However, they were referred to Agbado Police Station which was claimed to be the station within its jurisdiction.

    “They went to Agbado Police Station to report the case. After reporting the case, Pastor Babalola was detained along with a member of the church and the car owner, Adewale Babalola, a member of the church. They were refused bail and are still in detention,” Pastor Adebisi said.

    Adebisi told reporters that the campground, which covers an expanse of about two acres, has been in existence since 2004 as a Prayer Mountain for millions of worshippers cutting across various denominations.

    “The vigil that was held that night on the premises is a regular routine of the church. Note that it was the church that reported the incident to the police.

    And this is because the church has no ulterior motive,” he said.

    The church urged the police to release its detained members, calling for the autopsy report as investigations continue.

    Pastor Adewole said: “The Church is interested in an autopsy because that would reveal the true cause of the death of the two kids. We dissociate ourselves from such despicable acts. It was a calculated attempt to tarnish the church’s image.

    “We asked that proper investigation be carried out without sentiments so that the culprits can be punished because our mission as a church is to save lives and not to destroy.”

  • Adekunle’s family calls for autopsy

    Adekunle’s family calls for autopsy

    •Protest military’s plan to bury father without consultation

    The family of the late Brig.-Gen. Benjamin Maja Adekunle has protested to the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Kenneth Minimah, over alleged plan by the military authorities to bury the Nigerian civil war hero without the involvement of the family and his older children.

    In the letter dated September 21 and signed by three of the surviving children, they are asking for an autopsy to be conducted on the corpse of their father before he is buried.

    They alleged that his wife, in whose care he died in Lagos, had denied all members of the family access to him. The widow, Folake Wakilat Folarin, according to them, was just one of their father’s partners in his strings of “long term relationships”.

    The letter, which was signed by Mrs. Busola Olagunju (née Adekunle, the General’s eldest daughter), Mr. Benjamin Adelaja Adekunle and Mrs. Adebisi New (née Adekunle), alleged that “in the five years before his death, most of the Brigadier’s children were actively denied regular and close access to our dear father by Folake Wakilat and have expressed grave concerns about the care of our father, which we took up with the extended family.”

    The petition to the Chief of Army Staff by the children of the General’s first wife, who hails from Rivers State and who is old and now frail, told the Army chief: “You should be aware that we have not been notified by her of the cause of the death of our father, nor seen a copy of the death certificate. We shall be demanding for an autopsy to be carried out on our father, to determine and verify the cause of death, before any burial takes place.”

    The children called on the military to jettison the plan to bury their father in Lagos because, according to the family source, “He is the Asipa of Ogbomosoland, and as a titled chief and chief warrior of his town, he should not be buried in Lagos.”

    The petition called for the October 2 and 3 dates chosen by the military for the military honours for him in Lagos to “be abandoned and proper consultations made with the Brigadier’s eldest children and extended family.”

    The family source, who pleaded anonymity, told The Nation that the family and his older children have been barred from going to see his corpse at the mortuary.

    The source regretted that over a week since the death of their father, the older children have not been allowed access to his corpse and have been threatened with arrest if they dare move near the hospital where his body was deposited.

    The petition added that “as a matter of public record, the Brigadier entered into statutory marriage in 1962. The marriage produced five children, including a senior lawyer, architect and accountant, all of whom have totally rejected the rumored plans for burial. The Brigadier has other children from long term relationships, adopted, fostered and family children, a total of 31 offspring,” which they believe the military authorities should have consulted with and not Folake and her son, whom they said came into their father’s life in his old age.

    They said the family “welcomes the involvement of the Nigerian military in our father’s burial ceremonies given his contributions to national development. This involvement should be made following the right and appropriate channels incorporating all major stakeholders.

    “It is unheard of for any burial ceremonies to be made in the absence of a man’s eldest children and we protest vehemently and reject absolutely, current plans to bury our father in the first week of October in Lagos, without consultation with us and contrary to our plans.”

    The children affirmed that as the biological and eldest children of the deceased, they should be involved in the planning, how and when their father should be buried, most especially since his legally married wife and children are still alive.

    “We urge the Army to verify the true position from our father’s personal Army Records, and others such as Chief Sunday Adewusi , a former Inspector General of Police and Maj-Gen. Oladayo Popoola (rtd), both of who are from Gen Adekunle’s hometown and his close confidants.

    A copy of the petition was sent to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Maj.-Gen. T.I. Dibi, General Officer Commanding 81 Division, who had paid a condolence visit to Folake at the Surulere residence of the deceased. Others who have copies of the petition are Chief Adewusi and Gen. Popoola.