NTDA demands probe into cleric’s death in Ondo hotel

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has called for a comprehensive investigation into the death of a cleric, Elder Omotayo Fajana, whose corpse was found in a hotel room in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

The Director-General of the agency, Ola Awakan, made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the incident as disturbing and capable of eroding public confidence in the hospitality industry.

Fajana, 71, was reportedly in the town for a church programme where he was to be installed as the Head Prayer Warrior Father of Ogo Orimolade Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Okerigbo.

The call for a probe followed the arrest of three suspects by the Ondo State Police Command in connection with the incident.

Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, had disclosed that preliminary investigations raised concerns over the handling of the deceased’s body, particularly its alleged removal to a mortuary without medical certification of death.

Reacting to the development, Awakan extended condolences to the family of the deceased, members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church and residents of Akungba-Akoko, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the death must be fully uncovered.

“Such events undermine public confidence in the hospitality sector and cannot be tolerated. We must uncover the full circumstances of this death, track the unauthorised movement of the body and expose any potential lapses or complicity,” he said.

The NTDA boss assured that the agency would continue to work with security agencies, state governments and hospitality operators to strengthen safety standards and compliance across hotels and other tourism facilities nationwide.