THE coroner inquest set up by Osun State government to investigate the cause of death of Isiaka Adeleke, a former governor of the state, has fixed May 29 for its final verdict.

Olusegun Ayilara, the coroner and chief magistrate in the state, made this known during the court’s sitting on Monday, May 22, in Osogbo, state capital.

While rounding off proceedings, Ayilara recalled that the inquiry started on May 10, and 10 out of the 15 respondents summoned by the court had appeared before it.

“This court summoned 15 persons to appear before it, an advertisement which was published on May 11 in two national newspapers, the Tribune and The Nation.

“However, only 10 out of the respondents appeared before this court. I will not force anybody to appear before this court neither can we wait forever for them to appear.

“Their refusal to appear before this tribunal is intentional and so I am setting Monday, May 29 for the final verdict. By then we should know where we are going,” he said.

Nevertheless, many important figures in the case appeared before the court to give evidence. Prominent among them were doctors, nurses as well as the nurse that treated him before his death and the forensic team that carried out autopsy on him.

The Adeleke family, however, refused to honour the invitation of the coroner on the excuse that the death of the senator was being politicised.

Besides, the family said it was not in support of the setting up of the coroner inquest by the state government.

—  May 22, 2017 @ 14:40 GMT