“I Am Innocent” — Ex-Kogi Deputy Governor Reacts To Allegations In Tragic Deaths

Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward David Onoja, has publicly refuted reports linking him to the tragic deaths of two young men, Ayodeji Aiyepeku and Oluwapelumi Simidele Adebayo. In a detailed statement issued on Friday, Onoja described the allegations—first reported by Sahara Reporters on July 31—as false, malicious, and an attack on his character and family.

Onoja said the publication alleged that both families of the deceased jointly petitioned the police, accusing him of being complicit in the circumstances surrounding their deaths. He expressed deep shock and dismay over the development, calling the claims “wicked, baseless, and defamatory.”

“I categorically and vehemently deny as wicked, baseless, and defamatory in their entirety the insinuations and allegations contained in the irresponsible article,” he said. “To be accused of involvement in the deaths of these individuals is not only cruel but defamatory in the extreme.”

While clarifying his relationship with the deceased, Onoja stated that he had no prior connection with Ayodeji Aiyepeku and had never worked with him in any capacity during his tenure as Chief of Staff or Deputy Governor of Kogi State. He confirmed, however, that Oluwapelumi Adebayo was his son-in-law, married to his daughter, whom he had raised since childhood after the death of her parents.

In the statement, Onoja gave a harrowing account of what he described as years of abuse his daughter suffered in her marriage. He alleged that Pelumi had a history of violent behavior, exacerbated by mental health disorders that were only revealed after the wedding. According to him, the situation reached a crisis point last month when Pelumi allegedly threatened his wife with a knife, prompting her to flee the marital home with their one-year-old son.

Onoja said he had called on the Kogi State Police Command to assist in the evacuation, but police presence wasn’t needed as Pelumi himself helped his wife pack and leave. He further stated that there was no animosity between both families and that they had, in fact, held a peaceful meeting on July 21 to discuss Pelumi’s treatment and a possible reconciliation plan.

“It is therefore tragic that, in the face of such pain, both families have found common ground not in truth or healing, but in a joint petition to the police falsely accusing me,” Onoja said.

He also disclosed that Pelumi’s parents were present at the family meeting, along with his own elderly parents and other relatives. He refuted reports that he had rejected overtures for dialogue, emphasizing that the gathering had lasted over two hours and had ended on a positive note.

“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, calling for the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement to conclude its investigations.

The former Deputy Governor said that since the publication of the Sahara Reporters article, he has received countless calls and messages questioning his involvement. He condemned the media platform for what he called irresponsible journalism and declared his intention to pursue legal redress to protect his reputation.

“My reputation, service, and life’s work will not be sacrificed on the altar of misjudgment or sensational journalism,” he said. “I will seek appropriate and legal redress.”

Onoja concluded his statement with a message of condolence and a call for the truth to emerge: “May Ayo and Pelumi receive their fitting rewards from the Eternal Judge, and may the truth emerge soon.”

As of the time of this report, the police have not released an official statement regarding the petition or the progress of their investigation. The public continues to await clarity in a case that has sparked national attention and widespread debate.