By Lukman Olabiyi
Tension is mounting in Ikwuano Local Government,Abia State, as family and community members of late traditional ruler of Ntalakwu-Oboro, His Royal Highness Eze Samuel Ajiri, have resisted alleged plans to bury him without an autopsy or full consent of his immediate family and traditional council.
Controversy surrounding the monarch’s death reignited last week after a petition to the Inspector General of Police, submitted by legal representatives of the monarch’s first son and heir apparent, Prince Dike Ajiri, raised questions about the circumstances of his death and the delay in its announcement.
The petition, filed by Joseph Igwe of M. O. Ubani SAN & Co., and dated June 9, 2025, alleged inconsistencies in documentation relating to Eze Ajiri’s death, including a death certificate dated December 2024 ,that reportedly contradicted a mortuary tag indicating a September 2024 date.
The late monarch was said to have passed away in September 2024, while allegedly staying with his second wife in Port Harcourt. However, the family claimed that they were only informed of his death in January 2025.
The petition insists that a government-supervised autopsy is essential to determine the actual cause of death, citing the conflicting documents and the delay in disclosure as cause for suspicion.
“There are too many unanswered questions, “This is not just about tradition. It’s about the truth. We deserve to know how our father died. The community and family need closure,” the petition stated.
The legal team also called on the Police to suspend any burial plans until investigations are concluded and an autopsy is conducted. They further urged authorities to reaffirm the jurisdiction of the Zone 9 police Command in Umuahia over the case.
Community leaders and stakeholders have also voiced their disapproval of the alleged plan by the second wife to proceed with burial arrangements in June 2025.
The Ikwuano Traditional Rulers Council has warned that the burial would only take place unless with the involvement of the family and traditional council.