Lagos Gov’t probes death of Akwa Ibom Police Commissioner

In a bid to clarify the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Waheed Ayilara, shortly after undergoing surgery, the Lagos State government has constituted a medical panel.

This action was taken under the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who instructed the Lagos State Ministry of Health to initiate the investigation.

The panel is led by Prof. Adetokunbo Fabanwo, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

The panel’s primary task is to review the clinical events leading to Mr. Ayilara’s death, which occurred just hours after what was initially described as an uneventful surgery.

The state government is keen to determine if there were any lapses or complications that contributed to the tragic outcome.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has mandated that the panel submits a comprehensive report within seven days, providing insight into the incident and any recommendations for preventing such occurrences in the future.

In a press statement signed by the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, the state government sent its condolences to the family of late Mr. Waheed Ayilara, who passed on at LASUTH on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
The press statement reads in parts, “Mr. Ayilara, who was in Lagos to undergo a medical procedure, passed away following surgery. His demise has left us all in deep shock and profound sadness.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the Government and the good people of Lagos State, extends his heartfelt condolences to Ayilara’s family, loved ones, the Police and the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State during this difficult time.

“The late Ayilara was a distinguished officer whose dedication to duty and exemplary leadership had earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the communities he served with so much passion. His commitment to maintaining law and order, as well as his unwavering integrity, made him a distinguished officer.

“His death is a significant loss not only to his family and the Police but also to the entire nation.

“We share the grief – and understand the anxiety – that this news may have caused and we assure the public that the Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring a thorough investigation.

“We commiserate with the family of the late Mr. Ayilara, the Police and the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May The Almighty give you the strength to go through this sorrowful time and bless the soul of Commissioner of Police Waheed Ayilara.”