Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a cleric, Elder Omotayo Fajana, whose body was discovered in a hotel room in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The Director-General of NTDA, Ola Awakan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, expressing deep sadness and grave concern over what he described as a tragic and suspicious incident. The agency's demand comes as the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, with preliminary findings raising serious questions about the handling of the deceased's remains.
Fajana, 71, was in Akungba-Akoko for a church programme where he was scheduled to be installed as the Head Prayer Warrior Father (Baba Aladura) of Ogo Orimolade Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Okerigbo. The incident was reported at the Akungba Division on Saturday by Mr Olaseni Sunday Olaoluwa of Shijuwade Road, Akure, who alleged that the deceased was his uncle. According to the police, the cleric had travelled from Akure, the Ondo State capital, for the installation ceremony. His lifeless body was later discovered in a hotel room in the Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said three persons had been arrested in connection with the case and were assisting investigators. Jimoh noted that preliminary findings had raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the handling of the deceased's body, particularly its removal to a mortuary without medical certification of death. He disclosed that after the cleric was allegedly found dead in the hotel room, some individuals, including church officials and hotel workers, moved his remains to a mortuary in Ikare-Akoko without first obtaining certification of death from a qualified medical practitioner.
The police spokesperson stated, "The command has commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 71-year-old church leader, Mr Omotayo Ezekiel Fajana, whose body was discovered under suspicious circumstances in Akungba-Akoko". He added that detectives had commenced efforts to establish the actual cause of death and determine whether any criminal acts were involved. Jimoh further disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a comprehensive and discreet investigation into the incident. "The Commissioner of Police assures members of the public that the command will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the facts surrounding the incident and that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law," Jimoh said.
Reacting to the development, NTDA Director-General Awakan described the incident as tragic and deeply troubling, extending condolences to the family of the deceased, the C&S Church, and the Akungba-Akoko community. He noted that the circumstances surrounding the death, including reports of suspicious activity and the alleged handling of the body without proper medical certification, required urgent clarification by security and investigative authorities. "Such events undermine public confidence in the hospitality sector and cannot be tolerated," Awakan stated. "We must uncover the full circumstances of this death, track the unauthorised movement of the body, and expose any potential lapses or complicity".
Awakan stressed that swift and credible justice was necessary not only to uncover the truth but also to reassure the public and safeguard confidence in the tourism and hospitality industry. He reaffirmed that guest safety remains the NTDA's top priority as the apex regulatory body for tourism in Nigeria. According to him, the agency is collaborating with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with safety standards across hospitality establishments nationwide. He further disclosed that the NTDA would intensify nationwide monitoring and compliance enforcement in partnership with state governments to strengthen safety protocols in hotels and related facilities. The agency also reiterated its commitment to working with hotel operators, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to promote a secure, responsible, and thriving tourism environment.
The NTDA's demand for a thorough investigation underscores growing concerns about safety and security within Nigeria's hospitality sector. The agency's Director-General pointed out that the unfortunate incident raises critical questions regarding safety and security within Nigeria's hospitality establishments. He emphasized that swift justice is vital to reassure the public and deter negligence or foul play within the sector. The NTDA has also indicated that it will reactivate its nationwide monitoring exercises through collaboration with state governments to strictly enforce safety standards across all hospitality facilities.
Meanwhile, the police have urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the cleric's death. The three suspects currently in custody are assisting with inquiries, and detectives are working to establish the actual cause of death. The unauthorised movement of the body to a mortuary without proper medical certification has become a key focus of the ongoing investigation.
The death of Elder Fajana has sent shockwaves through the religious community in Ondo State and beyond. As the investigation continues, the NTDA's call for transparency and accountability reflects a broader demand for justice and improved safety standards in Nigeria's hospitality industry. For the family of the deceased and the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, the coming days will be critical as authorities work to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments