By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Tension is mounting in Ute Okpu Kingdom, Delta State, as community leaders and family members of the late Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu have unanimously demanded an autopsy before his burial, citing unresolved questions surrounding his sudden death.
The Daily Crucible had earlier reported tbat Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, President of Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), died on March 7, 2026, day a swimming young talent discovery competition, tagged “Swim to the future,” was scheduled to commence inside package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
Dunkwu, generally regarded as a passionate advocate for aquatic sports development, was known for his tireless commitment to nurturing young talents and repositioning swimming and other water sports in Nigeria as in his life time.
•Lady Joy Dunkwu & her husband before his demise.
The late politician’s leadership brought renewed energy to the NAqF, with initiatives aimed at grassroots development, athlete support, and stronger institutional partnerships, according to the leadership of the NAqF.
His funeral rites, which began on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a service of songs at St. Matthew’s Church, Maitama, Abuja, were to be followed by another service of songs scheduled for today, April 23, 2026, at the deceased’s residence in Ibiegwa Quarters, Ute-Okpu, Delta State. The remains were then to be interred on Friday, April 24, 2026, immediately after a funeral service at St. Luke’s Anglican Church within the community.
However, in a bewildering twist of events—described by many as disrespectful to the dead—youths from the town stormed the late Dunkwu’s country home, chased away workers preparing his final resting place, and covered the already dug grave with red earth. They cited alleged violations of customary traditions and legal procedures governing funerals in the community.
It is being said that two controversial graves meant for just the deceased alone now sit separately in the deceased’s residence in Ute – Okpu, a development some said, has raised not a small concern in an already tensed situation within the community.
•Grave already prepared covered with red earth and cordoned off with palm fronds and white clothes by the angry youths
Earlier, on Saturday, April 18, the UNYA, in a strongly worded press statement, said it had taken “decisive and lawful steps” to halt the burial process of the late Dunkwu.
Not stopping there, the youths also summoned his widow, Lady Joy Dunkwu, to appear before the palace which she honoured in compliance with mandatory community procedures. And aided by late Chamberlain’s eldest sibling, the youths also demanded the full autopsy report of the deceased in the interest of# transparency and accountability.
According to the group, the action followed credible reports that certain individuals were attempting to conduct the planned burial rites without obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant family authorities and community leadership.
The youths maintained that burial practices in Ute-Okpu are deeply rooted in tradition and must be strictly adhered to, warning that any attempt to sidestep these norms could spark unrest and undermine communal harmony.
“Our intervention was not arbitrary,” the statement read. “It was guided by long-standing customs and the need to preserve order, respect for lineage, and due process.”
The controversial funeral arrangements suffered grave setback after the deceased’s widow, Lady Joy Dunkwu, appeared before the community as summoned where the community leaders and family members of the late Chamberlain came out with far reaching resolutions. 
•Deceased’s widow Lady Joy Dunkwu addressing the community
In a strongly worded joint statement, traditional authorities, elders, youths, and the Dunkwu family declared that funeral rites for the deceased would remain suspended until a “full and independent autopsy” is conducted to establish the true cause of death.
The resolution, endorsed by the Obi of Ute Okpu Kingdom, the Uwizimas, the Prime Minister, Elders-in-Council, traditional chiefs, and the family led by Chief Augustine Dunkwu, described the circumstances of Dr. Dunkwu’s death as “unclear and troubling.”
“The sudden and painful demise of our son has plunged the entire kingdom into deep mourning,” the statement read.
“However, as a people who uphold truth and justice, we cannot proceed with burial rites while critical questions remain unanswered.”
The community outlined several reasons for its firm stance, including the need to investigate what it termed “unexplained events” leading to the death, prevent potential future occurrences, and uphold cultural traditions that forbid burial under doubtful circumstances.
It also referenced legal and medical provisions, noting that both the Coroners Law and standard medical practice require autopsies in cases of sudden or suspicious deaths.
Beyond legal and cultural concerns, the community emphasized the emotional toll on the bereaved family, insisting that only a clear determination of the cause of death can bring closure.
“Burial without truth will only deepen the pain,” the statement added.
The community has called on the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene and facilitate an independent examination by certified pathologists.
They pledged full cooperation throughout the process.
Reaffirming their position, the stakeholders stressed that their demand is not an opposition to burial but a commitment to justice and accountability.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We are not opposed to burial—we are committed to truth before burial,” the statement concluded. “In the interest of justice, tradition, and the safety of our people, we stand united: No autopsy, no burial.”
The development has effectively put funeral arrangements for the late academic on hold, as the community awaits official action on its demand.
