Edo community, police deny knowledge of living man’s obituary

SOME elders and youths of Okunmwun community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday denied having any connection with an obituary poster of one Clifford Osawaru who is still alive.

Osawaru, 66 had a few days ago raised the alarm that some persons in his community printed his obituary poster where he was announced dead and burial arrangements printed and ascribed to his eldest daughter.
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The hotelier and father of 13, who lodged a complaint to the police, had claimed that he was shocked to spot the unusual posters after he received phone calls from some of his relatives and friends who called to confirm the “announcement.”

But Okunmwun’s Public Relations Officer, Felix Osagiede, yesterday described Osawaru’s claim as a mere allegation‎ and a plot to cause the arrest of members of the community in an alleged quest to become the chairman.

Osagiede alleged that Osawaru had made false claims in the past, including the alleged kidnap of his (Osawaru’s) wife, which he said was later found to be untrue.

He said: “It’s a mere allegation; we are not aware of it at all‎. He is so desperate for power.

“So, I believe he used it (the claim) so that when the police come to the community, the entire youths and elders will run away, so that he can use the opportunity to become the chairman.

“We are not the ones responsible for it. He is our father; he is our brother.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Stephen Onwochei,said that he was yet to receive any report from the leadership of the community.

He, however, noted that investigation on the matter had begun.