Ute Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government area of Delta State has declared that the burial of late Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu will not proceed until an independent autopsy is conducted to determine the cause of his death, amid rising concerns and demands for clarity surrounding the circumstances of his passing.
The position was contained in an official community statement issued by the Obi of Ute Okpu Kingdom, the Elders-in-Council, traditional chiefs, the Uwizimas, youth groups, and members of the Dunkwu family led by Chief Augustine Dunkwu (Obipola of Ute Okpu Kingdom).
In the strongly worded resolution, the community dismissed reports circulating about a scheduled burial, describing them as “false and misleading.”
“There is no burial date fixed at this time,” the statement clarified, urging the public to disregard such information.
Central to the community’s position is the insistence that no burial rites will take place until a full autopsy is carried out.
“There shall be no burial until a full and independent autopsy is conducted to determine the true cause of death,” the statement declared.
The community outlined several reasons for its stance, citing cultural, legal, and emotional considerations.
According to the statement, the circumstances surrounding Dr. Dunkwu’s death remain unclear:
“The events leading to the death of Dr. Chamberlain remain unexplained. Both customary practice and the law require proper investigation in such cases.”
It further stressed the importance of prevention and accountability, noting that an autopsy would help ensure that “any wrongdoing does not go unpunished” and safeguard the community from similar occurrences in the future.
The elders also referenced traditional beliefs, stating:
“Our tradition forbids the burial of any individual whose death is surrounded by doubt. Truth must precede transition.”
On legal grounds, the statement cited standard procedures for sudden or unexplained deaths, calling for compliance with the Coroners Law and medical protocols requiring autopsy in such cases.
The community called on relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Health, and other government agencies, to urgently facilitate an independent medical examination.
“We respectfully call on the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Health, and relevant government authorities to urgently facilitate an independent autopsy by certified pathologists,” it stated.
It also assured full cooperation with investigative authorities throughout the process.
Reaffirming its position, the community emphasized that it is not opposing burial rites but is insisting on due process and clarity.
“We remain law-abiding citizens. We are not opposed to burial—we are committed to truth before burial,” the statement read.
It added that once the autopsy is completed and findings are made available, the community would proceed with a “befitting burial.”
The statement concluded with a unified declaration from all stakeholders in Ute Okpu Kingdom:
“In the interest of justice, tradition, and the safety of our people, we stand united: NO AUTOPSY, NO BURIAL.”
The position, jointly signed by traditional leaders, elders, the Dunkwu family, youth representatives, and community stakeholders, underscores growing insistence on transparency and medical clarification before final funeral rites can be conducted.
