The Delta State Government has set up an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the death of Mr. Adeda Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. The panel was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, on Thursday, September 25, 2026. Ekwevugbe's death occurred in unclear circumstances at his workplace, prompting concerns among his colleagues and the state government.
The government said the police had already commenced investigation into the incident and subsequently consulted with organised labour to constitute an administrative panel to further examine the circumstances surrounding the death. The panel is chaired by Mrs Charity Ehimen, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of service. Other members include Mr Mamuzo Erebe, SAN, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, and Mr Lucky Nkemachor, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Representatives of organised labour on the panel include Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State; Comrade Chief Benson Efeotor, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC); and Comrade Wilson Asekutu, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council, will serve as Member/Secretary of the panel. The state government gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment.
The panel's task is to unearth the circumstances surrounding Ekwevugbe's death to enable the government to address all issues arising from the incident within the scope of the law. The government expressed its condolences to the deceased's family and assured civil servants of its commitment to the safety of the work environment. It also reaffirmed its respect for the "dignity and sanctity of life."
Ekwevugbe's death has sparked concerns among his colleagues, members of the state public service, and organised labour. The incident has raised questions about the safety and security of workers in the state. The government's decision to set up a panel to investigate the death is seen as a move to address the concerns and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The Chairman of the panel, Mrs Charity Ehimen, is the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of service. She has been tasked with leading the investigation and ensuring that the panel's assignment is completed within the given timeframe. The panel's findings are expected to be made public and will likely have implications for the state government's policies and procedures.
The state government's commitment to investigating Ekwevugbe's death and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable has been welcomed by organised labour and civil servants. The incident has highlighted the need for the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees.
Key points
- The Delta State Government has set up an eight-member panel to investigate the death of Deputy Director Adeda Ekwevugbe.
- The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and make recommendations to the government.
- The government has expressed its commitment to the safety of the work environment and respect for the dignity and sanctity of life.
