Residents of Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State have been left stunned by the sudden death of a prominent elder of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church, Elder Omotayo Ezekiel Fajana, 71, whose body was discovered in a hotel room just hours before he was to be installed as the Head Prayer Warrior Father (Baba Aladura) of a faction of the church.
The incident has triggered a police investigation, with three individuals already in custody as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death.
Fajana had travelled to Akungba-Akoko, the administrative headquarters of Akoko South-West Local Government Area, for a church programme at Ogo Orimolade C&S Church on Okerigbo-Ikare Road. He was expected to be installed as the Head Baba Aladura of a faction of the church during the event.
The programme was, however, overshadowed by tragedy after the respected church elder was reportedly found dead in a hotel room under circumstances police have described as suspicious.
The matter was reported at the Akungba Police Division by Olaseni Sunday Olaoluwa, said to be a nephew of the deceased.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said preliminary findings had raised concerns about how the deceased’s body was handled after his death.
According to the police spokesperson, investigators are looking into allegations that some church officials and hotel employees moved Fajana’s remains from the hotel to a mortuary in Ikare-Akoko without first obtaining a medical certificate or official confirmation of the cause of death from a qualified doctor.
Police are also examining claims that money may have been paid to facilitate the quick transfer of the body to the mortuary, while church activities reportedly continued despite the incident.
The situation has attracted significant public attention, as investigators seek to determine whether the actions were intended to conceal evidence or were simply a violation of established procedures.
Three suspects are currently assisting detectives in the investigation into events before and after the cleric’s death.
The police have directed that a thorough investigation be conducted to establish the actual cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved.
The incident has generated reactions among religious groups and residents of the Akoko community, considering Fajana’s stature and the importance of the installation ceremony that was unexpectedly halted.
Community members and church faithful are awaiting the outcome of the investigation as questions continue to surround the circumstances of his death and the alleged movement of his body before proper documentation was completed.