The Ondo State Government has sealed the popular Olukayode Shopping Plaza in Akure following a court order over alleged improper disposal of waste capable of endangering public health.
The order followed allegations that waste from a filled septic tank at the shopping complex was evacuated manually and subsequently disposed of in an unhygienic manner, allegedly creating offensive odour and exposing residents to possible disease outbreaks.
The development came after officials of the state Ministry of Environment received information about a vehicle conveying a substance suspected to be harmful and emitting an offensive smell. The vehicle was traced and intercepted along the Oba Ile-Airport Road in Akure, with its driver handed over to the police.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Akinluyi Omotola, who led officials to seal the premises, said the ministry approached the court after receiving credible reports concerning the disposal of the substance.
Akinluyi said the information was supplied by a concerned citizen, whose tip-off enabled security personnel to track the vehicle. He added that the driver, identified as Olorunwa Sunday, was arrested and taken to the police for questioning.
According to him, Sunday, a Delta State indigene residing in Oke-Aro, told investigators that he had been contracted to dispose of the substance from Olukayode House at any convenient location.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko, said the government would take necessary steps to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents. He explained that the affected premises would undergo proper inspection, including examination of the septic tank, while environmental professionals would fumigate the facility.
Although the defendant, Olukayode Shopping Plaza, was not represented in court, the judge ordered the premises sealed, citing the sensitivity of the matter and its potential implications for public health.
The court also ordered that the driver of the vehicle be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Facility, while the case was adjourned until Thursday, September 17, 2026, for further hearing.
