Oromoni: Ijaw Leaders Seek Swift Court Judgement, Reveal Consequences Of Delayed Burial

Leaders of the Ijaw community in Lagos have requested the swift judgement of the court on the case of Sylvester Oromoni, a late student of Dowen College, Lagos.

The Lagos Coordinator and Ex-president of the Ijaw Community, Regent Youmor described the issue as more of a moral than a legal one on Wednesday in Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

According to the leader, the Ijaw community wants a swift judgement for Oromini to aid his prompt burial.

Yumour said it was again the Ijaw culture and tradition to keep a young man's corpse for a year without burial, adding that the soul should be allowed to rest in peace.

Oromoni died on November 30, 2021, after which his family claimed he died from injuries sustained after being attacked by five senior students of Dowen College, for refusing to join a cult.

The autopsy conducted however showed that the student died as a result of acute bacterial pneumonia due to severe sepsis.

“The case is a sensitive case involving a corpse that is yet to be buried.

“We, therefore, appeal that judgement be passed speedily in order for the corpse's soul to rest peacefully," Youmor said. 

The Ijaw leaders disclosed that there were spiritual consequences for delaying the burial of a young child who dies who died under a mysterious circumstance.

Ebitimi Dio-Posibi, one of the leaders who are requesting Oromini's burial said the elders and youth organisations are angry over the delayed burial due to the judiciary's delay in concluding its investigation after a year.

He reiterated that the delayed burial was against the Ijaw tradition and culture, and was causing the elders great concern.

Henry Oyobolo, immediate past Chairman of Ijaw Youths Council, Lagos chapter, also said the delay by the court in concluding its investigation which it stated in January was frustrating and was making the Ijaw people unhappy.

Youmour, on behalf of the leaders, requested a hastened investigation by the court, maintaining that justice delayed was justice denied.

He further prayed for the soul of the late child to rest peacefully.