The Lagos State Government has declared that it will oppose any attempt to exhume the corpse of Miss Whitney Adeniran, the 12-year-old student of Chrisland Schools, Opebi, Lagos. The young girl died during the school’s inter-house sports event in February.In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs in the state’s Ministry of Justice, Mrs Grace Alo, the government stated that it was aware of an ongoing dialogue regarding an alleged plan to exhume the body of the student. However, the ministry has yet to receive any official communication requesting the exhumation.
The government stressed that the circumstances for exhumation under the Coroners’ Systems Law, 2015, do not arise in this case. Additionally, the intention is not to further traumatise the deceased’s family.The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital issued a post-mortem report on March 1, which revealed the cause of Whitney’s death as asphyxia and electrocution. The young girl died during the inter-house sports event of Chrisland Schools on February 9 at Agege Stadium, Lagos State.Asphyxia is a breathing impairment that occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the body.
The government further disclosed that it is working closely with the police, who have given reassurance that the duplicate case file would be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions on March 6 to aid the speedy issuance of legal advice.The death of Whitney Adeniran has elicited widespread reactions from Nigerians, with many calling for justice for the young girl. The Lagos State Government’s stance on the matter is a welcome development as it is important to respect the wishes of the family and follow the laid-down procedures in the law.
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