Ika Weekly Newspaper
The Ute Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State has resolved that the burial of late Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu will not proceed until a full and independent autopsy is conducted to determine the cause of his death.
The decision, jointly reached by the Obi of Ute Okpu Kingdom, the Elders-in-Council, traditional chiefs, youths, and the Dunkwu family, was made public in an official statement addressing growing concerns surrounding the circumstances of his demise.
The community also dismissed reports currently circulating about a burial scheduled for this weekend, describing such information as false and misleading, and confirming that no burial date has been fixed.
According to the statement, the sudden death of Dr. Dunkwu has plunged the community into deep mourning, but unresolved questions surrounding the incident have made it impossible to proceed with burial rites.
The Elders-in-Council, in agreement with the immediate family led by Chief Augustine Dunkwu, emphasized that both tradition and justice require clarity before final rites can be observed.
They cited several reasons for insisting on an autopsy, including the unclear circumstances surrounding the death, the need to prevent possible future occurrences, and the cultural obligation that forbids burial where doubts persist. The community also referenced legal and medical provisions, noting that the Coroners Law supports autopsies in cases of sudden or unexplained deaths.
The community further stressed that establishing the true cause of death is essential for healing and closure for the family and the entire kingdom.
In a related development, the immediate family of the deceased has formally announced the suspension of all funeral arrangements.
In a press statement issued by Goziem Chamberlain, the first son of the deceased, the family confirmed that all burial activities have been placed on hold.
He stated that the decision followed a careful assessment of the situation within the Ute Okpu Community and developments affecting the smooth conduct of the burial programme.
According to him, “the family has found it necessary, as a matter of urgency, to place on hold and hereby temporarily suspend all funeral arrangements earlier announced.”
He added that the move was taken in good faith and in the overriding interest of maintaining public order, ensuring safety, and preserving the dignity of the deceased.
The statement further noted that all scheduled activities, including the Service of Songs, Funeral Service, and Outing Service, have been suspended until further notice.
The family urged the general public, friends, and well-wishers to disregard any conflicting information not formally issued by the immediate family, while also apologizing for any inconvenience caused.
Meanwhile, the Ute Okpu community has called on the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant authorities to urgently facilitate an independent autopsy by certified pathologists, assuring full cooperation throughout the process.
Reaffirming their stance, the community declared that while they are not opposed to burial, truth must come first.
“No autopsy, no burial,” the statement emphasized, describing the position as the collective will of the kingdom, the family, and the entire community.
The service of songs for the burial of late Dunkwu, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, had earlier begun at his Abuja residence, St. Matthew’s Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, April 16, 2025.
His funeral, which was supposed to begin in his country home, Ute Okpu, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, was put on hold over the desire of his family for an autopsy to be carried out to determine what led to the sudden death of their late brother and son before burial.
