Francis Van-Lare, the father of Dr. Ikenna Erinne’s estranged partner, has spoken out in response to the growing allegations surrounding the circumstances leading to the tragic suicide of the Nigerian doctor.

In a statement, Van-Lare refuted claims about the deceased doctor’s financial difficulties and the custody battle, clarifying various misunderstandings amid mounting social media speculation.

One of the most contentious issues following Erinne’s death was the suggestion that his medical license had been revoked due to his financial struggles.

Van-Lare firmly dismissed these allegations, stating that Erinne held valid medical licenses in several US states.

He noted that no single state had the authority to revoke all of them.

“To set the record straight, Dr. Ikenna Erinne’s licence was never revoked. He had active licences in Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. One state cannot revoke all licences at once, and none of his licences were revoked,” Van-Lare wrote on Facebook.

Van-Lare also addressed the controversy surrounding monthly child support ordered by the US court.

He explained that this amount was determined because Erinne’s son has special needs, requiring constant medical care and attendance at a special needs school.

“The child support was set that high because he has a physically challenged son who needs special care from different medical facilities, plus attending a special needs school, which costs money. The courts consider the income of both parents before making such decisions. So, he is not a victim,” Van-Lare clarified.

Despite the financial obligations, Van-Lare expressed frustration over the circumstances, particularly Erinne’s failure to prioritise his children.

“He failed his son and daughter, and now they’re without their father. Which sane person takes his own life over the money he is supposed to use to support his children?” he remarked.

Referring to the hostage situation that occurred before Erinne’s suicide, where the doctor reportedly held his ex-wife and children at gunpoint for hours, Van-Lare expressed relief that it didn’t escalate further.

“I thank God that he did not shoot my daughter and grandchildren in his madness. He was not a victim here, and his actions were irrational. In the end, no one wins in this situation,” Van-Lare said.

Van-Lare also sought to clarify rumors about his daughter’s background, which had surfaced online.

He firmly rejected claims that she had been brought from Nigeria and sent to school by Erinne, stating that she was born in Long Island, New York, and is a full-blooded American citizen.

He highlighted her achievements, including a full sports scholarship in athletics, nearly representing the USA in the 2012 Olympics, and her accomplishments as a pianist and trumpeter. She also holds a Doctor of Medical Science degree.

“My daughter was born in Long Island, New York, a full-blooded American citizen. She was not brought from Nigeria and sent to school by the deceased cardiologist. She won a full sports scholarship in athletics and almost represented the USA in the 2012 Olympics in the 100m and 200m,” Van-Lare stated.

Despite the controversies, Van-Lare concluded his message with a desire for peace for all involved, expressing his family’s commitment to raising the children.

“May his soul rest in peace, regardless. My family will raise the children without him, regardless of what’s happened,” he prayed.

Vanguard News