Onoja Denies Allegations Linking Him to Deaths of Two Young Men, Threatens Legal Action
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward David Onoja, has strongly denied allegations published by Sahara Reporters linking him to the deaths of two young men, Ayodeji Aiyepeku and Oluwapelumi Simidele Adebayo.
In a public statement issued on Friday, Onoja described the claims allegedly based on a joint petition to the police by the families of the deceased as “wicked, baseless and defamatory.”
“I categorically and vehemently deny the insinuations and allegations contained in the irresponsible article,” Onoja said. “The deaths of Ayo and Pelumi are tragedies no family should ever have to endure, and I mourn with them.”
Onoja clarified that while he had no personal connection to Ayodeji, the late Oluwapelumi was his son-in-law, married to his daughter for nearly four years before their separation last month. He alleged that his daughter left the marriage due to persistent domestic violence, which he claimed Pelumi’s family was aware of.
He further stated that Pelumi had a history of mental health issues, including psychotic episodes, which he said were concealed from his family until after the marriage. According to Onoja, the matter had led to an amicable family meeting on July 21, where both families discussed solutions, including treatment for Pelumi, before his sudden death days later.
The former deputy governor rejected claims that he had rebuffed peace efforts, insisting the families were working together before the tragedy occurred.
“I do not know anything about the circumstances of either Ayo’s or Pelumi’s death beyond what has been published in the media,” Onoja stated. “I am not involved and I reject in totality any insinuation or allegation to the contrary.”
He described the accusations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and vowed to seek legal redress.
Onoja called on the public to await the outcome of police investigations and urged that the memory of the deceased be treated with dignity.
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