The former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward David Onoja, has categorically denied allegations linking him to the deaths of two young men, describing the claims as “wicked, baseless and defamatory in their entirety.”
His statement comes in response to a report by Sahara Reporters published on 31 July 2025, which alleged his involvement in the deaths of Ayodeji Aiyepeku and Oluwapelumi Simidele Adebayo, his son-in-law.
Onoja said he had “followed with deep pain and shock” the report, which he dismissed as “irresponsible.” He extended sympathy to the bereaved families, stating: “The deaths of Ayo and Pelumi are tragedies no family should ever have to endure. The pain of losing one’s child is indescribable, and I mourn with them.”
However, he insisted that the allegations were unfounded, adding: “I categorically and vehemently deny… the insinuations and allegations contained in the report”
He urged the public to allow the police to complete their investigations, saying: “All well-meaning Nigerians must trust the police and relevant authorities to continue their ongoing investigations till the truth… is fully uncovered.”
Pelumi Was My Son-in-Law
The ex Kogi Governor clarified his relationship with the deceased, stating: “Ayodeji Aiyepeku was neither known to me nor did he, to my knowledge, belong to any team that worked under me during my service as Chief of Staff and later Deputy Governor of Kogi State.”
Regarding Oluwapelumi, he explained: “Oluwapelumi Simidele Adebayo was my son-in-law, as he was married to my daughter—a young lady I took under my care over two decades ago, along with her younger sibling, after they lost both parents as children.” Despite this connection, he maintained that the deaths were “a deep tragedy” and denied any involvement.
Domestic Violence and Mental Health Struggles
In a startling revelation, Mr Onoja disclosed that his daughter had fled the marriage due to abuse. “My daughter left her matrimonial home last month with her son, after enduring almost four years of persistent and escalating domestic violence from Pelumi in the name of marriage,” he said.
He accused Pelumi’s family of being aware of the abuse but failing to act: “His family was aware of this abuse, but my daughter spared me the painful details for years.” He further revealed that Pelumi had “mental health disorders later confirmed by hospitals in Lokoja—a fact that was deliberately concealed from my family at the time of his marriage to my daughter.”
The situation escalated dangerously, according to Mr Onoja: “The final straw came when Pelumi, in a fit of rage, pulled a knife and came after her with fatal intent, prompting her to finally reach out to us last month fully determined to stay away until he got help.”
Police Involvement and Evacuation
Mr Onoja described how he intervened: “Of course I sent people to get her immediately after putting a call across to the Kogi State Police Command for men to supervise the evacuation due to his threats to attack anyone who dared to show up.”
However, the situation took an unexpected turn: “In the end, we did not need the police. Surprisingly, Pelumi himself seemed to have had a rethink and even helped to pack their things, load the vehicle, and bid herself and their son… safe journey to Abuja.”
Family Reconciliation Attempts
Contrary to claims that he had refused mediation, Mr Onoja detailed a meeting held on 21 July 2025 between both families. “Pelumi’s parents visited on the night of Monday 21st of July 2025,” he said. “Earlier that morning, Pelumi came around. Though he did not come to the house, he called his wife, who met him at a barber’s salon in front of my estate.”
During the meeting, he said, Pelumi’s parents “finally admitted he had some issues, namely, psychotic episodes, and requested that the wife and child stay with us for three months… while we monitored Pelumi’s treatment and progress.”
Mr Onoja emphasised the cordial nature of the discussions: “Present at this meeting were Pelumi’s parents, my own aged parents (his wife’s grandparents), my wife, and sundry other family members. We had an amicable two hours or so brainstorming solutions to the problems between our two children in their marriage.”
He strongly denied reports that he had refused reconciliation: “Whoever claimed that I ‘rebuffed’ his family’s overtures for a peace meeting is an inveterate liar—as I have outlined above, we had a very pleasant meeting… and were working together to help them based on our agreements.”
I Do Not Know Anything About Their Deaths
Mr Onoja reiterated his innocence regarding the deaths: “I do not know Ayo, and I know Pelumi to the extents and in the manners I have related above. I do not know anything about the circumstances of either Ayo’s or Pelumi’s death beyond what has been published in the media.”
He expressed frustration at the joint petition filed against him: “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 of involvement in the deaths of these two young men.”
Legal Action and Reputation Defence
The former deputy governor vowed to challenge the allegations legally: “I am not involved, and I reject in totality any insinuation or allegation to the contrary. Moreover, it is defamatory and damaging, and I will seek appropriate and legal redress.”
He concluded with a defiant statement: “Let it be clear: My reputation, service, and life’s work will not be sacrificed on the altar of misjudgment or sensational journalism.”
Appeal for Truth and Justice
Ending his statement on a sombre note, Mr Onoja said: “May Ayo and Pelumi receive their fitting rewards from the Eternal Judge, and may the truth emerge soon. I issue this statement for the records, and for posterity.”
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