There is growing tension in Ikwuano Local Council of Abia State due to concerns from family members and community stakeholders regarding an alleged plan to bury the late traditional ruler of Ntalakwu-Oboro, His Royal Highness Eze Samuel Ajiri, without conducting an autopsy or securing the full consent of his immediate family and traditional council.

A petition approved by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) last week reignited controversy surrounding the circumstances of the monarch’s death and burial plans.

The petition, filed by Mr Joseph Igwe, Head of Chambers, M. O. Ubani SAN & Co, on behalf of the monarch’s first son and heir apparent, Prince Dike Ajiri, raised issues regarding the delay in announcing the monarch’s passing and the need for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.

According to the petition, dated June 9, 2025, Eze Ajiri reportedly died in September 2024 while residing with his second wife, Chinwe Ajiri, in Port Harcourt.

The petition noted that family members were officially notified in January 2025, raising questions about the delay and surrounding details.

It further alleged that inconsistencies exist in documents related to the monarch’s death, insisting that a death certificate dated December 2024 contradicts other records, including a mortuary tag reportedly indicating a September 2024 date.

The petition stressed that the inconsistencies justify a government-supervised autopsy to clarify the circumstances of death before any burial.

It also expressed concern about alleged attempts by the late monarch’s second wife to proceed with a burial ceremony in June 2025 despite pending investigations and urged the police to intervene to avoid potential communal unrest.

“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.

While declining to accuse any individual directly, the legal team called for the suspension of burial activities pending the outcome of investigations and an autopsy.

The petition also urged the Nigeria Police to reaffirm the jurisdiction of Zone 9 Police Command in Umuahia over the case and to ensure due process is followed.

The Ikwuano Traditional Rulers Council has also reportedly expressed disapproval of any burial plans that do not involve traditional oversight or family participation.

A palace elder, who preferred anonymity, said: “Our customs must be respected, and due process must be followed. We cannot have the remains of a traditional ruler buried in secrecy or under controversy.”

The elder also cautioned security agencies and the public against participating in or facilitating any burial ceremony without broad consensus from the family and traditional council.