By Roving Reporters
The Coroner’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, on Friday formally exonerated the immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Prof. Adolphus Odogun Loto, from allegations linking him to the death of the university’s Registrar, Mr. Imoleayo Adeniran.
The clearance followed a comprehensive coroner’s inquest, forensic investigations, and expert medical testimony, which collectively established that the Registrar died from complications of chronic heart failure, and not from poisoning or any foul play.
How the Allegations Emerged
Following the sudden death of Mr. Adeniran in September 2025, speculation and unverified claims circulated widely, particularly on social media, suggesting that the death was suspicious and implicating senior university officials.
In response to the public interest and conflicting narratives, the Ondo State Government instituted a coroner’s inquest to determine the true cause of death.
Prof. Loto Summoned as Interested Party
At the Case Management Conference presided over by the Chief Coroner and Magistrate, Dr. Dickson Ogunfuyi, Prof. Loto was summoned as an interested party, alongside the deceased’s driver, individuals named in alleged phone calls made by the late Registrar, and mortuary officials.
The Coroner made it clear from the outset that the proceedings were fact-finding, not accusatory.
“This court is not here to assign blame or find fault. Our duty is to unravel the truth surrounding the death of Mr. Adeniran,” Dr. Ogunfuyi said at the opening of proceedings.
Autopsy Ordered Amid Public Speculation
To resolve the controversy, the court ordered a post-mortem examination to be conducted by a government pathologist under the Ondo State Hospital Management Board.
Despite initial reports of resistance, the family later clarified that their concerns were financial, not opposition to the autopsy.
Pathologist’s Findings Dismiss Poisoning Claims
Testifying before the court, Dr. Olumuyiwa Pelemo, Consultant Anatomic Pathologist and Director of Diagnostic Services at the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, presented the autopsy report dated November 19, 2025.
He told the court:
“Based on the findings from the autopsy, the cause of death is sudden, unexpected death due to complications of congestive cardiac failure with cardiomyopathy.”
Dr. Pelemo explained that the deceased had a grossly enlarged heart, severely congested lungs, liver enlargement, and kidney damage — all consistent with long-standing heart disease.
“There were no marks of violence on the body. There was no evidence of poisoning, toxins, or physical assault,” he said.
Toxicology tests, he added, ruled out cyanide, organophosphates, heavy metals, and other poisonous substances.
“The body does not lie. These findings are typical of chronic heart failure, not poisoning,” the pathologist stressed.
Coroner’s Final Verdict
In his final remarks, Magistrate Ogunfuyi upheld the medical evidence, stating that the court’s findings were based strictly on facts presented.
“At human levels, we are restricted to the evidence before us. The evidence clearly establishes that the deceased died from natural causes,” he ruled.
While directing the police to complete further forensic analysis on items recovered from the deceased’s residence for record purposes, the Coroner emphasized that the cause of death had been medically settled.
Prof. Loto Speaks on Ordeal
An emotional Prof. Loto, reacting after the report was read, lamented the toll the allegations had taken on him.
“Some of us have been seriously brutalized mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, with insinuations on the internet,” he said.
“How do I redeem my image? Thank you for this report.”
Coroner Calms, Assures Reputation Restoration
Responding directly to Prof. Loto’s concerns, Magistrate Ogunfuyi offered reassurance:
“Professor, with due respect, it is the Almighty God who sees the heart and restores reputation. I believe He has started doing that by reason of this report.”
He noted that the same public space where allegations thrived was now witnessing the truth.
“This is why coroner proceedings are held in public — so that whatever is found becomes public knowledge,” he added.
Family Expresses Relief
The Coroner also acknowledged comments from the deceased’s family, particularly the widow, who expressed relief that the inquest dispelled insinuations of suicide or foul play.
“The government was interested in this inquest so that allegations and counter-allegations could be put to rest in the public interest,” the Coroner said.
Matter Laid to Rest
With the findings now on record, the Coroner formally closed proceedings, describing the inquest as having set the record straight.
