A London morgue housing the remains of the former Senate President, the late Dr. Joseph Wayas, has reportedly demanded £6,710, approximately N13,366,320, from his family members before granting them access to the body.
This revelation surfaced 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 morgue authorities insisted on this payment, citing it as covering the expenses for maintaining the body and other general charges accrued over the two-year period during which the body has been held.
The committee, composed of elders from the Cross River northern district, sought confirmation regarding the availability and condition of the body. Ms. Donna Wayas, the late Wayas’ daughter based in Nottingham, UK, and Mrs. Echiko Julie Odey, were granted access to inspect the body and assess its condition.
Joseph Wayas, who served as Senate President from 1979 to 1983, passed away on November 30, 2021, in a London hospital following a prolonged illness.
Initially, the late Wayas’ health condition was managed by former Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade. Upon his demise, the state government allocated N200 million for the repatriation and burial expenses. However, a family crisis ensued, leading to a delay in the funeral proceedings.