The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Adeda Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The government announced the development in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, on Thursday, September 25, 2026.
According to the statement, Ekwevugbe’s death occurred in unclear circumstances at his workplace, prompting concerns among his colleagues, members of the state public service, organised labour and the state government.
The government said the police had already commenced investigation into the incident, adding that it subsequently consulted with organised labour and jointly agreed 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 are Mr Mamuzo Erebe, SAN, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Mr Lucky Nkemachor, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government; and Sir A.E. Oghoro, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service.
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 said the panel had two weeks to complete its assignment and “unearth the circumstances surrounding the death” to enable the government to address all issues arising from the incident within the scope of the law.
Meanwhile, 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,” according to the statement.
