Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
The bodies of a man in his 40s, his wife - a woman in her 30s - and their three sons aged 13, 11 and six were found this morning at approximately 11am.
"The Garda investigation is ongoing but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths," the gardai said in a statement.
It is understood that a relative of the family called to the home at shortly this morning, and that when they were unable to gain entry they raised the alarm.
It is understood that the family have lived in the area for some time, and were well-known. The mother is believed to be a local woman, but the father was not from Cavan it is believed.
Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll said that gardai are aware members of the family were seen in the local community yesterday.
"We're working on very definite lines of enquiry and we will do our best to advance the case as quick as possible, baring in mind the people involved and affected by this need time to deal with the tragic situation," he said.
"We are that they were in the community yesterday and are aware of a number of people that they spoke with. We haven't dealt with every interaction that they've had.
"Over the coming days more information will be revealed," he said, adding that "All we can do is help the [extended] family members."
He said they have identified everyone they feel may be of assistance in the investigation.
Local councillor Paddy Smith had only arrived back into Ballyjamesduff this afternoon, and said the whole area is “shocked”.
“It’s just complete shock,” Mr Smith said.
“I only heard about it and rang a couple of people and everyone is shocked.
“If there is five people dead, it’s tragic, no matter what.
“It’s just hard to get your head around the whole thing,” he added.
The area has been sealed off and the State Pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau have been called in.
More to follow
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