The Coroner’s Court sitting in Akure on Friday exonerated the former Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Prof. Adolphus Odogun Loto, from allegations related to the death of the university’s Registrar, Mr. Imoleayo Adeniran. This conclusion came after an extensive coroner’s inquest, which included forensic investigations and expert medical testimony, revealing that the Registrar succumbed to complications arising from chronic heart failure, rather than poisoning or foul play.
Emerging Allegations
The inquiry was prompted by the unexpected passing of Mr. Adeniran in September 2025, which spurred rampant speculation and unverified claims, particularly on social media, suggesting a suspicious nature to his death and implicating high-ranking university officials. To address the public concern, the Ondo State Government initiated a coroner’s inquest to uncover the real cause of death.
Prof. Loto Summoned as Interested Party
During the Case Management Conference, overseen by Chief Coroner Dr. Dickson Ogunfuyi, Prof. Loto was called as an interested party alongside the deceased’s driver, individuals mentioned in alleged phone calls with the late Registrar, and mortuary officials. The Coroner emphasized that the proceedings were meant solely to uncover the truth.
“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 stated at the outset of the proceedings.
Autopsy Conducted Amid Public Speculation
To clarify the controversy, the court mandated that a post-mortem examination be conducted by a government pathologist under the auspices of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board. Initially, there were reports of resistance from the family, but they later clarified that their concerns were financial in nature, rather than opposition to the autopsy.
Pathologist’s Findings Dismiss Poisoning Claims
Dr. Olumuyiwa Pelemo, a Consultant Anatomic Pathologist and Director of Diagnostic Services at the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, presented findings from the autopsy, which was dated November 19, 2025.
“Based on the findings from the autopsy, the cause of death is sudden, unexpected death due to complications of congestive cardiac failure with cardiomyopathy,” he reported.
Dr. Pelemo elaborated that the deceased had an enlarged heart, congested lungs, liver enlargement, and kidney damage—indicators of long-standing heart disease.
“There were no marks of violence on the body. There was no evidence of poisoning, toxins, or physical assault,” he confirmed. Toxicology tests refuted the presence of cyanide, organophosphates, heavy metals, and other toxic substances.
“The body does not lie. These findings are typical of chronic heart failure, not poisoning,” he asserted.
Coroner’s Final Verdict
In his concluding remarks, Magistrate Ogunfuyi upheld the medical evidence, stating that the findings were grounded solely in the 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 instructing the police to conduct further forensic analysis on items retrieved from the deceased’s residence for record purposes. The Coroner noted that the cause of death had been medically resolved.
Prof. Loto Speaks on Ordeal
Reacting emotionally after the report’s presentation, Prof. Loto lamented the impact the allegations had 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
Addressing 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 said. The Coroner highlighted that the same public space where rumors had flourished 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 acknowledged comments from the deceased’s family, especially the widow, who expressed relief that the inquest had quelled 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 concluded.
Matter Laid to Rest
With the findings formally noted, the Coroner closed proceedings, asserting that the inquest had successfully clarified the matter.
