Adeda Family Rejects Delta Panel, Condolence Visit Over Deputy Director’s Death

by Ezekiel Kagbala

The family of the late Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, has rejected the eight-member administrative panel of inquiry constituted by the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

The family also turned down a proposed condole visit by the Delta State Government, saying it lacked confidence in the panel and wanted certain issues concerning the death of their son addressed before engaging with the government.

Adeda, a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, reportedly died following an alleged assault during a confrontation at the office of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, in Asaba.

The family’s position was contained in a statement posted on Saturday evening by Lloyd Sodje Adeda, the deceased’s brother, on his verified Facebook page.

According to Lloyd, the family rejected the proposed condolence visit because of what it described as the “gruesome murder” of their brother.

He said the family was particularly concerned that the alleged principal suspect and others connected with the incident had not been brought to book.

“The Chief Prime Suspect, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu (an Agent of the Government) and other suspects have not been brought to book,” he stated.

The deceased’s brother also alleged that a commissioner whom the family accused of being connected with the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death remained under the protection of the state government.

He argued that the situation had made it difficult for the allegations against the official to be properly addressed.

“The State Government should make a public statement on this before any contact with the family,” Lloyd said.

On the administrative panel, the family said it lacked confidence in the composition of the committee, alleging that its membership comprised only civil servants.

According to the family, the absence of representatives of the deceased’s relatives, civil society organisations and human rights groups raised questions about the independence and credibility of the inquiry.

The family consequently called for a more inclusive investigative process that would, according to them, provide greater confidence to all parties and establish the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.

The rejection came amid growing calls for clarity over the events that preceded the death of the senior civil servant and for the allegations surrounding the incident to be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, despite the family’s stated position, a high-profile delegation from the Delta State Government reportedly visited the deceased’s family on Saturday.

The delegation was said to have conveyed the government’s condolences and assured the family of its commitment to ensuring justice for the late Adeda.

The development has further heightened attention on the circumstances surrounding the death and the ongoing efforts by the state government to establish what transpired before the Deputy Director’s death.

The family’s demand for a more inclusive inquiry is expected to place further focus on the composition, mandate and procedures of the administrative panel constituted by the state government.