A 71-year-old cleric, Mr Omotayo Ezekiel Fajana, has been found dead in a hotel room in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, just hours before he was scheduled to be installed as the Head Prayer Warrior Father of a Cherubim and Seraphim Church.
Fajana had reportedly travelled to the community to participate in a church programme at Ogo Orimolade C&S Church, Okerigbo, where he was expected to be formally elevated to the spiritual position.
The planned ceremony, however, ended in tragedy after the elderly cleric was allegedly discovered lifeless in the hotel where he had lodged ahead of the event.
The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked concerns among family members and church associates, prompting an investigation by the police.
Sources disclosed that controversy emerged after the deceased’s body was reportedly moved from the hotel to a mortuary in neighbouring Ikare-Akoko before a formal medical certification of death was obtained.
The development has raised questions over whether due procedures were followed following the discovery of the cleric’s body.
Disturbed by the incident, family members were said to have petitioned security agencies, leading to a full-scale investigation into the matter.
Investigators are currently working to determine the exact cause of death and unravel the events leading to the tragedy.
Detectives are also seeking to establish who was with the deceased shortly before he died.
As part of the ongoing probe, three persons have reportedly been taken into custody and are assisting the police with investigations.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the case remained under active investigation.
According to him, detectives are examining all aspects of the incident to determine whether foul play was involved.
He assured that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.