15/09/2026
The Ondo State Ministry of Environment , under the leadership of Dr. Tob Loko, has intensified its enforcement drive to protect public health and preserve environmental safety across the state, leading to the sealing of Olukayode Shopping Plaza in Akure following a court order over alleged improper evacuation and disposal of waste.
The action followed credible intelligence received by the Ministry concerning the evacuation and transportation of a suspected malodorous substance from the premises of the shopping plaza.
Presenting its case before the court, the Ministry stated that the management of the plaza allegedly evacuated a filled septic tank manually in a manner capable of generating offensive odour and exposing occupants and members of the public to potential environmental and health risks.
The Ministry further informed the court that an unregistered private waste service provider allegedly engaged to evacuate the substance subsequently disposed of it indiscriminately by the roadside along the Oba-Ile–Airport Road, resulting in an offensive odour and a potential threat to public health.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Akinluyi Omotola, explained that the Ministry acted promptly after receiving credible information about a vehicle conveying a substance suspected to be hazardous and emitting an offensive odour.
He disclosed that the information was provided by a patriotic citizen, whose timely intervention enabled environmental officials to track and intercept the vehicle.
According to him, the driver, identified as Olorunwa Sunday, a native of Delta State and resident of Oke-Aro, was subsequently handed over to the police for questioning and further necessary action.
Akinluyi added that the driver allegedly told investigators that he had been contracted to dispose of the substance evacuated from Olukayode House at any convenient location.
The Commissioner for Environment Industries, Dr. Tob Loko, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment for the people of Ondo State.
He said the Ministry would conduct a thorough inspection of the premises, including the septic tank, while qualified environmental professionals would fumigate the facility to eliminate any possible environmental or health risks.
Dr. Loko stressed that the Ministry would continue to take necessary enforcement measures whenever environmental practices pose a threat to public safety, noting that proper waste management remains essential to protecting the wellbeing of residents.
The latest action further demonstrates the proactive approach of the Ondo State Ministry of Environment Industries under Prof. Bluku’s leadership, particularly in responding swiftly to environmental complaints, investigating suspected violations and ensuring that appropriate legal and regulatory measures are taken where necessary.
The defendant, Olukayode Shopping Plaza, was not represented in court when the matter came up.
However, citing the sensitivity of the allegations and their potential public-health implications, the court ordered that the shopping plaza be sealed pending further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned until Thursday, September 17, 2026, for further hearing.
The court also ordered that Olorunwa, the driver of the vehicle allegedly used to convey the substance, be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.
The Ministry has reaffirmed that it will continue to work with relevant agencies and members of the public to identify environmental threats, enforce environmental standards and ensure that the people of Ondo State live in a clean and safe environment.
