The Magistrate Court in Olori, Ikwuano Magisterial District, Abia State, has ordered a halt to the burial of HRH Prof. Sam Ajiri, the late traditional ruler of Ntalakwu Oboro Autonomous Community, pending an autopsy to establish the cause and timing of his death.
Chief Magistrate N. R. Olujie granted the order following a motion filed by the deceased’s first son, Mr. Dike Ajiri, alongside four others—Chief Uzondu Johnson, Mr. Armstrong Okorocha, Mr. Henry Ekpe, and Mr. Onuoha Chukwuno—against the late monarch’s widow, Mrs. Chinwe Ajiri. Respondents also include Ashes to Ashes Funerals Limited, the AIG Zone 9, Nigeria Police Command, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Represented by counsel Orgmore Kanu, the plaintiffs requested that the court restrain the defendants from proceeding with the burial without a government-approved autopsy. They argued that the widow’s plan ignored the consent of the deceased’s first wife, first son, and siblings.
Magistrate Olujie ruled that the application had merit and would uphold justice. He relied on a legal opinion from AIG Emmanuel Ade, Director of Legal Services at the Force Headquarters, which recommended that an autopsy be conducted with representatives from both sides.
The court ordered that Mrs. Ajiri must not bury the monarch until the autopsy is completed. Ashes to Ashes Funerals Limited is barred from releasing the body without the consent of the recognized head of the family, the first son, and other family members. Mrs. Ajiri is also prohibited from employing armed men to influence burial proceedings.
Police officials were instructed to retain the mortuary tally and only release it for the autopsy.
The court’s decision follows tensions in the Ntalakwu Oboro community after conflicting reports about the monarch’s death. While the mortuary tally shows he died in September 2024, Mrs. Ajiri reportedly stated to police that he died in December 2024. The autopsy is aimed at clarifying the true date and cause of death and identifying any hereditary medical conditions relevant to the family.
HRH Prof. Sam Ajiri served as Apu I of Ntalakwu Oboro until his death.
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