There are allegations that Maria Oredola Igbinedion, the mother of former Edo State Governor Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, was strangled by her housemaid, who is currently on the run.
According to reports, the 85-year-old woman was strangled by her yet-to-be-named housemaid, at her residence in Ugbor, GRA, Benin-City, the State capital.
It was further learnt that the maid who hailed from Cross River State, ransacked the deceased home for pieces of jewellery and money and later ran away.
Maria Igbinedion, who had been confined to a wheelchair since her 80th birthday, was able to survive the COVID-19 epidemic.
A close family source told newsmen over the phone that security forces had been contacted in order to track down the fugitive suspect.
“Any amount, I repeat, any amount will be paid for information leading to the arrest of this girl. She is a murder suspect and is wanted by the police and Benin people,” he said.
The police are yet to confirm whether they are working on the murder theory.
Efforts to seek confirmation from the State Police Command spokesman, SP Kontongs Bello failed, as his phone was switched off.
Maria Oredola was the first wife of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
She is survived by her husband, former Governor, Lucky Igbinedion, Bright Igbinedion, Charles Igbinedion and Mabel Amadin and many grandchildren.
Meanwhile, the burial arrangement for the Octogenarian has been announced by the family.
According to the burial programme sighted Friday night in Benin, a service of songs will be held for the deceased on Thursday, 9 December 2021.
She will be interred on Friday, 10 December 2021, after a funeral service at St. Augustine Catholic Church, by Water Resources Off Ugbor Road, in Benin.