Hotelier sees own obituary announcement in Edo State

An hotelier, Mr. Clifford Osawaru, got the shock of his life when he got calls from family and friends asking if he was actually dead.

The calls came after posters announcing his death were pasted on some streets in Okunmwun community, Ovia North East local government area of Edo State.

Osawaru, 66, who was visibly shocked, said he was surprise that people could announce his death and burial arrangement while he was still hale and hearty.

The hotelier explained that he had been at loggerheads with some members of the community over illegal sale of land.

The father of 13 said his battle with the people started after he went to court to restrain them from engaging in unlawful sale of land without the consent of elders‎.

He urged the police to unmask the culprits behind the act.

He said, “I was made the patron of the community by the Odionwerie and the elders. But some youths abandoned their jobs and focused their minds on selling land with fake paper in our community without the consent of the elders and myself.

“So, the Odionwerie and I went to court and restrained them from selling land. Then they said that I was the one behind it (preventing them from selling land).

“That was why they printed this paper (obituary). Yesterday (Thursday) my relation told me about it and sent me a copy. So, I went to the Area Command to report to the police.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Stephen Onwochei, who confirmed the incident, described it as a “case of threat to life” and said investigation would commence on the matter.

Hotelier sees own obituary announcement in Edo State