Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered a full investigation into the death of a 45-year-old woman, Mary Yaduyan, who died hours after delivering quintuplets in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Yaduyan reportedly passed away at a private medical facility, Netcare Multispeciality Hospital, shortly after giving birth to five baby boys through a caesarean section.
Medical experts at the hospital attributed her death to pulmonary embolism, a serious medical complication that reportedly developed after childbirth.
Following the incident, the Ondo State Government announced a ₦2 million donation to support the care and treatment of the newborns, who are currently receiving medical attention at the hospital.
Speaking during a visit to the facility on Saturday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, who represented the governor, described the development as tragic and painful.
According to her, the governor was deeply saddened by the woman’s death and assured that the state government would ensure proper care for the surviving babies.
“The governor is deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. His administration remains committed to safeguarding the lives of pregnant women and ensuring that no effort is spared in caring for these babies,” Osamaye said.
She explained that the ₦2 million donation was meant to provide immediate relief for the quintuplets, while discussions were ongoing on possible long-term medical support for the babies, including their transfer to a specialised healthcare facility once their condition stabilises.
Osamaye also used the occasion to highlight concerns over maternal healthcare challenges, particularly in handling high-risk pregnancies.
“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for proactive interventions in high-risk pregnancies,” she stated.
She further stressed the need for stricter medical monitoring and prompt referral systems in complicated pregnancy cases requiring specialist care.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Adiji Ojohe, confirmed that the state government had commenced a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Ministry of Health has set the necessary machinery in motion to unravel the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate development,” he said.
Ojohe added that necessary actions would be taken after the investigation to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“Appropriate actions will follow the outcome of the investigation to enhance maternal healthcare delivery and prevent future occurrences,” he added.
The incident has again brought attention to maternal health challenges in Nigeria, especially the risks associated with complicated pregnancies and the need for improved emergency response systems in healthcare facilities.
In April 2026, the Ondo State Police Command arrested two women, Elizabeth Aremu and Blessing Effiong, for allegedly posing as midwives in connection with the deaths of two women and their newborn babies at separate health facilities in the state.
