A London mortuary housing the remains of former Senate President, the late Dr. Joseph Wayas, demanded £6,710, equivalent to N13,366,320, from members of his family before granting them access to the body. This information was disclosed in a report by Justice Maurice Odey Eneji, Chairman of the Joe Wayas Burial Fact-Finding Committee, dated February 27, 2024.
According to the report, the mortuary management insisted on this amount, covering maintenance costs and general fees for the two years during which the body has been stored there. The committee, comprised of elders from the Cross River northern district, sought to confirm the availability and condition of the body.
Access to sight and assessment of the body were granted to Wayas’ daughter, Ms. Donna Wayas, based in Nottingham, UK, and Mrs. Echiko Julie Odey. Dr. Wayas, born on May 21, 1941, passed away on November 30, 2021, in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. He served as Senate President from 1979 to 1983.
Former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, initially managed his health condition. After his demise, the state government allocated N200 million for repatriating the body and conducting the burial. However, a family dispute ensued, causing delays in the funeral proceedings.
Justice Eneji’s report indicated the committee’s proactive approach, holding regular meetings to facilitate the repatriation and burial of the body. Despite their efforts, they still required an additional £60,478, equivalent to N120,934,992, prompting an appeal for funds.
According to Justice Eneji, the committee aimed to settle all outstanding debts, including repatriation costs and payments to the mortuary managers, totaling £7,210. Committee members emphasized the importance of involving both the state and federal governments in the burial process, as they may have previously allocated funds for this purpose.
Acknowledging the complexities surrounding Wayas’ death and burial, a key committee member stressed the importance of granting him a dignified burial befitting his status as a statesman, urging official communication to both levels of government to expedite the burial arrangements.
