Benin hotelier sees own obituary

It was not a laughing matter for Clifford Osawaru, a 66-year-old hotelier in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, as he saw an obituary notice announcing his demise and burial arrangements.
Osawaru, father of 13, said he was shocked to spot his obituary on some streets in Okunmwun community on Thursday after he received phone calls from some of his relatives and friends who called to confirm the “announcement”.
A copy of the obituary poster stated that his “burial” was scheduled for August 14, 2015 after his “remains” leaves the Central Hospital to his residence.
It, however, had the name of his eldest daughter as the announcer, as against the Benin tradition and did not have the contact of the printer.

Osawaru explained that although he had been at loggerheads with some members of the community over the illegal sale of land after he was made the patron, he was surprised to find out some persons could announce his death and burial arrangement while he was still hale and hearty.
He alleged that the unidentified persons had engaged in the unlawful sale of land without the consent of the elders, but had been restrained by a court order before he was later informed that his obituary posters had been pasted on the streets.
He, therefore, called on the Nigeria Police to unmask the culprits behind the act.

Read also: Family of slain officer allege colleagues tortured, murdered him

He said, “I was made the patron of the community by the Odionwerie and the elders. But some youths abandoned their jobs and focused their minds on selling land with fake papers in our community without the consent of the elders and myself.
“So, the Odionwerie and I went to court and restrained them from selling land. Then they said that I was the one behind it (preventing them from selling the land).
“That was why they printed this paper (obituary). Yesterday (Thursday), my relation told me about it and sent me a copy. So, I went to the Area Command to report to the police.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Stephen Onwochei, who confirmed the incident, described it as a “case of threat to life.”
Onwochei, however, assured that the command would commence investigation into the matter.

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now