Ondo State Government has rolled out new COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus and further protect residents of the State from contracting it, just as it declared the initial Guidelines in circulation as fake and unauthorized.

Chairman of the State Interministerial Committee on Coronavirus and Vice Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi made the declaration while presenting the OFFICIALLY-APPROVED UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19 PREVENTION IN ONDO STATE to newsmen in Akure.

Fatusi who commended the State Executive Members for their support since the fight against COVID-19, said the COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines is borne out of the need for the people to get back to normal life, though with recommended protocols, to safeguard their lives and family.

The guidelines as released by the Government is listed below:
A. Religious Services

1. Churches and Mosques can hold their activities any day of the week, but not between the hours of 10.00pm and 4.00am.
2. The duration for any indoor religious service must not be more than 2 hours on any occasion, and all public health guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 must be
   strictly adhered to on every occasion;
3. Conventions or similar special programmes can hold for only three (3) consecutive days
   at a time, but not between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am on any day; the maximum
   duration for such programmes must not exceed three hours on any single occasion, and
   all public health guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 must be strictly adhered to
   on every occasion.

Permission need to be sought only in cases where some exceptions
to the above-stated provisions are needed. Such applications should be directed to the
office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health/Ag. Commissioner for Health
for a written approval;

3. Vigils are totally prohibited until further notice;
4. Special outdoor religious programmes that may involve mass gathering of people such
   as crusades are still prohibited until further notice;
5. Not more than 50% of the capacity of the building of the Church, Mosque or any other
   religious body must be filled during any programme;
6. All participants in any church, mosque or any other religious group’s activities must
   adhere strictly to the following:
   a. Wear face masks properly (completely covering the nose and mouth)
   throughout the programme
   b. Wash hands under running water or use hands sanitiser before entering the
   venue of the religious programme
   c. Maintain adequate social distance of at least 2 metres or 6 feet (about 2 arm’s
   length) from other people at the programme
7. All Churches, Mosques and other religious bodies must have a dedicated enforcement
   team in place to continuously monitor and ensure strict adherence to the COVID-19
   prevention guidelines throughout each service or programme;
   B. Educational Institutions
   I. Primary Schools: The state is actively monitoring preparations regarding provision of adequate logistics for COVID-19 prevention for all primary schools, and announcement regarding the date of resumption will be made at an appropriate date.
   II. Junior Secondary School (JSS) JSS 3 students will resume according to the following schedule while the date for resumption of other classes shall be announced at an appropriate future date: a. September 7-13: • Preparation by schools to receive students with provisions that meet with the public health guidelines against COVID-19; • Monitoring of schools’ preparations by relevant government agencies and teams.
   b. September 14-18: Revision for students in schools.
   c. September 19 – October 4: Examinations.
   C. Businesses and Workplaces
   I. Government Offices • The current stay-at-home order regarding government workers/civil servants on salary grade level 1-12 is to be maintained till further notice. • All government offices must make adequate provisions for their staff, clients and visitors to observe the public health measures against COVID-19, including provision of handwashing facilities and/or hand sanitisers, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment to workers in line with their duties; ensure the proper use of face mask all round-the-clock at work; and ensure physical distancing measures including appropriate seating arrangements for staff and visitors; • All government offices must clearly and boldly display the signs of “No Mask, No Entry; No Mask, No Services” at the entrance of their offices and at strategic points in the workplace;
   • All government offices must have a monitoring team in place that would ensure that anyone without mask is denied entry into the business premises or offices, as well as ensure that all staff, clients and visitors adhere strictly to the COVID-19 prevention guidelines at all times, including properly wearing a face mask (to cover both the nose and the mouth) throughout the business hours when in contact with others.
   II. Private Businesses • The Chief Executive or head of each non-governmental establishment is responsible for making appropriate decision regarding work hours, schedule, and mode of work as well as operations of all staff, bearing in mind the need of their office space vis-a-vis the number of staff and type of operations in relation to the need for adequate social distancing as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19; • All non-governmental offices must make adequate provisions for their staff, clients and visitors to observe the public health measures against COVID-19, including provision of handwashing facilities and/or hand sanitisers, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment to workers in line with their duties; ensure the proper use of face mask all round-the-clock at work; and ensure physical distancing measures including appropriate seating arrangements for staff and visitors; • All offices must clearly and boldly display the signs of “No Mask, No entry; No mask, no services” at the entrance of their business premises and at strategic points in the workplace • All offices must have a monitoring team in place that would ensure that anyone without mask is denied entry into the business premises or offices, as well as ensure that all staff, clients and visitors adhere strictly to the COVID-19 prevention guidelines at all times, including properly wearing a face mask (to cover both the nose and the mouth) throughout the business hours when in contact with others.
   III. Markets
   Markets can open on any day of the week, but not between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am. Market operators must comply with and adhere STRICTLY to all the public health guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 during every market day; • Observe physical distancing – a space of two metres or 6 feet (two arm’s length between all individuals at all times; • Provide hand-washing stations with soap and running water or hand sanitisers at the entry spots and strategic points in the market; • Every trader and store owner must have a bottle of hand sanitiser handy for their use and that of their customers and use as needed; • All traders and customers must always wear face masks properly (to cover their mouth and nose) in the market; • All store/shop/stall owners must carry out temperature checks on their workers and customers at the entrance of their stores/stores/stall. 4. Maintenance of the market in a state of optimal environmental hygiene. 5. Market leaders must put in place a dedicated monitoring and enforcement team for COVID-19 prevention in their market to continuously monitor and ensure that the COVID-19 guidelines are fully complied with.
   IV. Bars/Clubs 1. Bars and Clubs are now allowed to now open and operate daily but not between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am; 2. Chairs and Tables are to be arranged in a way that makes for social distancing with people separated by at least 2 metres or 6 feet (about 2 arm’s length) from each other; 3. COVID-19 protocols/guidelines must be strongly adhered to by attendees, and include washing of hands under running water or using hand sanitiser, and face masks; 4. Management of each bar/club must have a dedicated enforcement team in place assigned to continuously monitor adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines; 5. Failure to observe the above-given guidelines would lead to closure of such an infringing Bar/Club and the proprietor would be dealt with according to the COVID-19 law of the State.
   D. Social Events
   I. Social events (Wedding, burial, etc) in Church/Mosque or Reception Halls/Event Centre
8. Permission to hold event must be sought in writing, at least one week, from the Special Adviser on Health/ Ag Commissioner for Health and approval obtained before an event is organised; 2. The number of people to participate in an event must not be more than 50% of the capacity of the Church or Mosque; 3. Every participant must wash his/her hands with soap at the entry point or use hand sanitisers; properly wear a face mask throughout the event and observe social distance; 4. The event should be limited to a period of two hours only; 5. For entertainments, “take-away” packages is advised instead of open-serving of food and drinks to allow guests to keep their face masks on at all times; 6. The event planner and the Church/Mosque conducting the service/programme must put in place an enforcement team that only those who have their face masks properly put on and have washed their hands/used hand sanitisers are allowed into the event. The enforcement team must continuously monitor all participants to ensure that they FULLY comply with the recommended public health preventive actions against COVID-19 and this guideline AT ALL TIMES; 7. Failure to observe the above-given guidelines would lead to cancellation of an ongoing event, and punitive actions against any church or mosque; involved in the event, in line with the COVID-19 and public health laws of Ondo State.
   II. Burial Wake-keep
9. Permission to hold a wake-keep event must be sought in writing, at least one week, from the Special Adviser on Health/Ag. Commissioner for Health and approval obtained before an event is organised; 2. Burial wake keep event can hold on any day, but not between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am. 3. Not more than 100 people are allowed at an event taking place in the open; For events taking place in a hall or event centre, not more than 50% of the capacity of such hall/event centre should be filled. 4. Every participant must wash his/her hands with soap at the entry point or use hand sanitisers; properly wear a face mask throughout the event and observe social distance (being apart by at least 6 feet or two arm’s length;
10. The event should be limited to a period of two hours only; 6. For entertainments, “take-away” packages should be used instead of open-serving of food and drinks; 7. The event planner and the Church/Mosque conducting the service/programme must put in place an enforcement team that only those who have their face masks properly put on and have washed their hands/use hand sanitisers are allowed into the event. The enforcement team must continuously monitor all participants to ensure that they FULLY comply with the recommended public health preventive actions against COVID-19 and this guideline AT ALL TIMES; 8. Failure to observe the above-given guidelines would lead to cancellation of an ongoing event, and punitive actions against any church or mosque involved in the event, in line with the COVID-19 and public health laws of Ondo State.
    E. Political Activities: As part of their interest in ensuring the health and welfare of the citizens, all political parties are strongly enjoined to adhere strictly to these guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and minimise the risk of endangering the health and life during political activities: 1. Sensitise their party members and followers on the danger of COVID-19 and educate them on preventive steps for COVID-19. 2. Campaign venues should not be filled to more than one-third of their capacities and social distancing (minimum of 2 metres or 6 feet) strictly maintained. 3. Avoid the gathering of a large number of people; Where gathering cannot be avoided, social distancing should be strictly adhered to during physical meetings/programmes and such an event must not go beyond two hours. 4. If physical gathering is essential and cannot be avoided, multiple rallies should be conducted with appropriate numbers of people to enable adequate physical distancing in each gathering per time. 5. All participants at a rally or any other political event must properly wear face masks throughout a campaign rally or other political activities. 6. Hand hygiene facilities including soap and water/ hand sanitisers should be made available for people before gaining access to campaign ground or political activity events.
    Where applicable, virtual campaigns and rallies should be carried out instead of physical gatherings, using virtual platforms and online meetings, televised and radio campaigns, mobile vans and newspapers to reach their goals. 8. COVID-19 protocols/guidelines must always be strictly adhered to during all political activities.
    ANNEX: GENERAL COVID-19 PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES IN ONDO STATE
11. Citizens to continue with the proper use of Face Mask – such should cover both the mouth and the nose. Use of face shield does NOT replace the use of face mask: Face shields are really NOT substitutes for face masks;
12. Hand hygiene must be religiously practiced with either washing of hands under running water or use of hand santitiser. Handwashing stations should be positioned at entrances of all markets, shops and public spaces and hand sanitisers strategically placed as necessary to encourage hand hygiene practices;
13. The reopening of Schools is being carefully considered and a definite date will be announced at an appropriate date based on the state of infection, reflections on national and global experiences, and due consultation with the government;
14. Resumption of Civil Servants on GL 1 – 12 is also being carefully considered and the dates will be announced at an appropriate time and after consultation with the government;
15. Curfew is still in place, and in line with Federal Government’s directive, covers the period of 10pm and 4am;
16. Transporters are encouraged to embrace social distancing inside their vehicles/tricycles/motorcycles;
17. Education of the public on COVID-19 to promote appropriate behavioural changes, including the proper use of face masks, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene (coughing into a folded elbow or disposable tissue that are promptly and properly disposed) and social distancing. Every sector needs to be actively involved in the fight against COVID-19; as such, the Heads of various formal organisations, workers’ unions and units, such as the Banks, National Union of Road Transport Workers’ and market women should be involved.

By Bombay Ladi-Okunniga

Determined to have a resounding victory in the October 10 Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, Okitipupa LG APC Campaign Director General, Hon Alaspart Ola Oguntimehin has inaugurated a high powered Campaign Committees at APC Secretariat, Okitipupa.

The various Committees were tasked to redouble their works in returning Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for a second term as a reward for a good performance in his current tenure.

The DG, Hon Ola Oguntimehin who expressed joy that APC was approaching the election as a united front said, “our flag bearer Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has earned the trust of the people by his Sterling performance so far”.

“We are confident of victory because Ondo State remains an APC stronghold and electorates have made up their minds to vote massively for the Governor their know, the Governor they trust which is Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu”, he said.

In his own messages the LG Executive Chairman, Hon Igbekele Akinrinwa declared that “Akeredolu’s reputation as ‘TALK and Do’ Governor differentiate him as a trustworthy Governor who can be rely upon anytime, any day….he is gifted with remarkable flair of seeing opportunities where others see only roadblocks” .

“APC is fortunate to have a candidate whose decisions, directions and actions are guided by public interests and concerns of the people…so let’s join hands to re-elect Akeredolu for second term”, he advised.

In his own remarks, Hon ( Chief ) Tayo Eniku disclosed that , “for Ondo South Senatoral District supporting Akeredolu is not only on merit but the wisest Politicial choice as re-electing Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will make it nearer for South Senatoral District to be on the seat of power after the second term tenure of Akeredolu” .

“We are at a critical crossroads in our state history where one wrong turn may take us back to the sorry state from which we are emerging, so a vote for APC is a vote for continuation of developmental projects and progressive governance”, he concluded.

The Convener of Progressive Coastal Drive, PCD, Princess Olawumi Fayemi, has assured that more dividends of democracy would be benefitted at the grassroots during the second term of the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Fayemi, stated this while receiving new volunteers to her fold in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo state.

About twenty new volunteers were welcomed to the group at the meeting held at Deep Sea Hotel, Igbokoda, in Ilaje local government.

Speaking at the meeting, one of the volunteers, Mojisola Orogbemi expressed her delightment at the achievements of Arakunrin Akeredolu led administration and for the All Progressive Congress for the choice of Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa, an industrious son of Ilaje as the Deputy Governor Designate and for the efforts put in place by the convener of the Progressive Coastal Drive.

She therefore, appreciated Princess Fayemi for her efforts to ensure the reelection of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN as the Governor of Ondo State come October 10, 2020.

Orogbemi, further pledged the total support of her group, (Iron Ladies) which has over 100 members across the 12 political wards in Ilaje Local Government.

The Deputy Governor Designate of the All Progressive Congress, Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa who also paid a courtesy visit, encouraged them to mobilize more members to vote for APC for the good of Ilaje and the entire Ondo State. He also assured them of benefiting the dividends of democracy.

The Students Union Government (SUG) of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) Okitipupa in Ondo has appealed to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for further reduction in its tuition fees.

This was contained in a statement issued by the institution’s SUG President, Comrade Damilola Okunomo on Tuesday in Okitipupa.

Okunomo pleaded with Akeredolu to prevail over the institution’s Governing Council for further reduction of the tuition fees to be in tandem with the economic reality with the best legacy that could be handed over to unborn generations.

It was gathered that students were paying between N80,000 and N100,000 which was hiked to between N150,000 and N200,000 for indigents and non-indigens respectively.

According to him, Akeredolu recently reduced the tuition fees of other state-owned institutions but OAUSTECH was neglected with no reason whatsoever.

“OAUSTECH fee hike, an ugly phenomenon have dealt a huge blow to the future of Nigerians and Ondo students and youths. It negates the founding ideology of the great citadel of learning.

“On different occasions, the Police attacked, intimidated and harassed our students as they shot teargas and bullets in their bid to disperse us while pressing home our demands and some students were hospitalised for sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

“We have defy all odds to exercise our inalienable rights as provided in section 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because we are fighting a just cause.

“The hike in school fees is contrary to the ruling party’s All Progressive Congress (APC) manifesto that promised free and qualitative education.

“To survive in the modern economy, education is a must and as such, responsible leadership must view education as a public right and no longer a luxury to be engaged only by those with the money to purchase it for themselves.

“He who does something through another person is deemed to have done for himself as the visitor and principal, you have been vested with the power of absolute ratification of OAUSTECH governing council’s decision.

“Without any iota of ambiguity and all sense of humility, we plead with you to come to our aid especially in terms tuition fees,” Okunomo pleaded.

The Palace wishes to notify residents of Akure and its environ that the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, has approved the reversal of the earlier directive for the closure of all Markets and Shops in Akure during the Amole festival scheduled to hold on Wednesday 9th September, 2020.

2. In view of this, all shops and markets in Akure will remain opened during the celebration of the age long traditional festival.

3. The reversal of the earlier directive is premised on His Majesty’s decision to cushion the effect of economic hardship on our market women occasioned by the adverse effect of covid-19.

4. The palace wishes to enjoin the residents, Market Women and shop owners to go about their lawful duties without let or hindrance during this celebration.

5. It is equally important to restate that, the festival will not in anyway restrict human and vehicular movement.

6. Akure a gbe a oo

Signed.
Adeyeye Michael
Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure.
8th September, 2020

Tragedy has struck the University town of Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo state, as a reckless truck was reported to have crushed 7 vehicles in a road mishap, leading to the untimely death of many commuters, Sunday night. 

From an eye witness, it was learnt that many persons sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals.

Details later

…orders Wife to refund bride price

An Okitipupa Customary court has dissolved a 13-year old marriage between one Mrs. Titilayo Olayeye, and Mr. Akintusi Olayeye on grounds of cruelty and ill treatment.

The Court presided over by His Worship Benson Omotayo, ordered that the petitioner, Titilayo to refund the sum of N2,500 to the respondent, Akintusi been the Bride price paid on her.

It also held that there was a valid customary marriage between the party but has failed and broken down Irretrievable, therefore dissolved the marriage and granted the custody of the three children in the marriage to the respondent.

Earlier, the petitioner, Mrs. Titilayo Olayeye, who sought the court for the dissolution of the thirteen years old marriage told the court that her late father gave her as wife to his friend who was an old man, when the respondent(husband) was sick because she was the one taking care of him, and when he recovered from the sickness, “he told me he has willed me out to his younger brother one Gbenga Adeoye, by name but I declined the offer which made Adeoye furious at me”. She said. 

In her evidence, the 38-year petitioner, a farmer who lives at Ajegunle street Ode-Aye, said she is tired of the marriage and wants the court to dissolve the marriage, adding that she did not have capacity to take the custody of the children , hence, the court should grant custody to the respondent.

The marriage was blessed with three issues, age 12 “f”, 5 “f”, and 3 “m” names withheld.

However, the Respondent Akintusi Olayeye , did not show up in the court to defend himself despite several summons sent to him.

With the evidence given by the petitioner, the court believed that there was a valid customary marriage between the parties and as the petitioner had said , she does not have the capacity of having the custody of the children as the court also observe same.

The court held in plethora of cases that the custody of a child should be given to the person who has best interest and welfare of a child at heart, the petitioner also affirmed to the court that the respondent is an old man.

“Be that as it maybe this court has no choice than to grant the custody of the three children to the Respondent”.

Having proved by the petitioner the claim of cruelty and ill treatment by the respondent, the court held that the marriage has failed irretrievable.

The presiding president of the court Benson Omotayo granted the custody of the children to the Respondent, and gave an order that the petitioner shall have unrestricted access to the children in custody of the respondent without hindrance.

“Education and maintenance of the children shall be a joint responsibility of the party, that the petitioner shall refund to the respondent the sum of N2,500 been the bride price paid on her.”

The Ondo state branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by a prominent member, Banji Okunomo is set to dump the party.
Banji and his supporters, It was gathered that they are on their way to the ZLP.

Their grouse, it was further learnt might not be unconnected with the choice of Mr Ikengboju Gboluga as a running mate to Mr Eyitayo Jegede against their leader.

Members of Okunomo campaign organisation expressed their displeasure in a communique issued at the end of a meeting in Okitipupa.

The communique reads “The BBO executive session views with emphatic disapproval and absolute sense of rejection the undemocratic and unpopular dimension in which Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN chose to foist the nomination of Ikengboju Gboluga, a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Okitipupa Federal Constituency on the PDP as his running mate and Deputy Governorships candidate in stiff defiance to all wise counsels to the contrary portraying him as a rigid conservative person that will always overide superior major view”.

Three persons have lost their lives to a substance suspected to be ethanol/toxic chemical deposited at a reserve place by Wewood Nigeria limited at Omotosho, in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Ethanol substance was described  as a natural byproduct of plant fermentation and also can be produced through the hydration of ethylene”.

The casualties are Mr. Akinmusire Monday(35), Mr. Samuel Louis (45) and Master Ododolewa Adebowale(19).

It was gathered that the deceases went into a  farm at the Government Reserve area in Omotosho  last week Wednesday but met their untimely death as a result of suspected ethanol chemicals used by WeWood Nigeria Limited which reportedly  flooded their farm.

According to Samuel Louis, a father of four children, was a contractor who deals in wood, while Akinmusire Monday, a father of five children, was an operator of the saw machine used in felling and cutting tree to sizes.

Ododolewa Adebowale, who’s writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examinations(WASSCE), was a helper.

On the fateful day, Louis hired the duo and went to fell trees in the forest reserve, but unfortunately they never returned home again to their Akinfosile community also in Okitipupa Local Government Area.

Younger brother to Monday, Akinmusire Emmanuel, revealed that the victims went to the forest to fell trees as usual, but when they didn’t return at the normal time, they decided to go to look for them in the forest.

He disclosed that they saw the motorcycle on which the three of them rode to work where it was parked.

They called out their names, but no one answered.
When they entered the forest, they saw some people who were felling and cutting trees.

When they asked if they saw the victims, they said no.
After searching for them to no avail, they went back to the community to give report to the community leader, the Olufara of Akinfosile, Oba Olamide Ayodele.

The traditional head told newsmen, who visited him in his palace on Friday in respect of the incident, that when he was told three of his subjects were missing, he called the Divisional Police Officer, the Vigilante Corps and the Amotekun Corps and informed them about the development.

The officers with some youths of the community went into the forest reserve the following day in search of the missing persons.
After much search, they stumbled on their dead bodies covered with black substance.

Emmanuel, who went into the forest with them, said they saw a big pit surrounded by heap of sand believed to have been excavated from the pit.

But a part of the sound had been watched off by the toxic waste discovered to have been discharged into the pit.

The toxic waste overflowed the pit and flowed down the slope where the trio were working and submerged them.

Emmanuel, said the bodies of the victims were seen on the flowing track of the toxic waste which killed them instantly as there were no sign that they attempted to struggle with death.

When youths in the community realised that they were killed by toxic waste generated by the Chinese company, which is into cassava to ethanol processing, they protested to the company to alert them about the incident.

With joint operations of all security agencies in the state, the bodies of the victims were evacuated and deposited in a private morgue in Ore.

Akinseye Omololu, a brother-in-law to the late Samuel Louis, disclosed that the Ondo State government leased the forest to the Chinese company to clear and replant trees thereby allowing saw millers and plank dealers to fell the existing trees in the forest but paid tax to government officials monitoring their activities.

Meanwhile, J.I Adeyanju Esq. and Dayo Akindejoye Esq. who are attorneys to the the late Akinmusire Monday’s family confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Omotosho Okefara forest.

They ascribed the terrible incident to “the recklessness, irresponsible and dumping of toxic, corrosive, harmful, explosive and hazardous substances by a Chinese Company (WeWood).”

They stated that the “deposited (WeWood) waste product led to untimely death of the younger brother of our client, Mr. Akinmusire Monday, aged 35 and two others after inhaling the hazardous substances.

“Evidently, the Company flagrantly violated the provisions of the enabling laws with impunity which is detrimental to the host communities without adherence to Environmental Safety and International best practices.

“The Environmental Impact Assessment Act, National Environmental Standards and  Regulations Enforcement Agency ( Establishment) Act, and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provision) Act spelt out guidelines for dumping of hazardous substances which were clearly violated.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act specifically prohibits discharges of harmful quantities of any hazardous substance into the air or upon the land and the waters of Nigeria or at the adjoining shorelines.

“Rather than complying, WeWood chose to honour these laws in the breach. Ever since the WeWood came on board, its activities have been a threat to life, natural resources and properties.

The Ufara River remains constantly polluted, the water which the inhabitants’ progenitors used to drink is no longer good for drinking and no fishes to peasants in the community for consumption.

The air pollution regularly been experienced have made many business owners and residents to desert the neighbouring Community.

“The younger brother of our client (Akinmusire Monday) was a vibrant, responsible and caring young man with a wife, five children, aged mother, in-laws and siblings who depended on him for their survival.

Since his remains and others were deposited in a private morgue at Ore, all the dependants have not been finding it easy to sustain themselves. In fact, the aged mother has developed a blood pressure over the shocking news the sudden death of her presumed survivor and devastating incident.”

The attorneys to the family of Akinmusire, however, promised “to do all that is legally allowed within the ambit of the law to ensure that justice prevail and the rights of all the dependants are protected.”

Public Relations Officer for the state Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Teo-Leo Ìkorò, who confirmed the incident, said it was an accident as a result of the toxic waste that overflowed where it was discharged.

He said: “There’s a company producing ethanol in the area, Omotosho, and it was an accident as a result of waste from the company.
“The bodies of the victims of the accident have been deposited in a morgue.

“But the company and the families of the victims are already talking and making arrangement on the matter.

Solomon Ede was in the habit of never failing to wear his face mask in order to protect himself against the dreaded coronavirus otherwise called Covid-19. At bed time every night, he would usually remove the loose-fitting piece of protective cloth.

Penultimate weekend, however, he made a costly error that sent him into early grave.
On Friday, August 28, the 50-year-old private guard popularly called Baba Rita and attached to a building in Alako area of Abeokuta, was said to have gone to bed without removing his face mask shortly after he took a local gin popularly called ogogoro.
His lifeless body was found face down with his face mask the next day, suggesting that he died of suffocation from the face mask.

Sources revealed that neighbours who came to fetch water at the compound of the house where the deceased worked as a guard until his death banged on the gate of the building endlessly but Ede did not come out to grant them access to the tap.

It was said that the noise at the gate of the building alerted Ede’s boss who opened the gate for the visitors and decided to check on Ede in his room, but the door to his room was firmly shut. His boss then forced the door of the apartment tucked inside the security house of the building open only to find Ede lying face down on the bed lifeless and with his face mask in place.

The boss was said to have raised the alarm which attracted other residents to the building, with many blaming the deceased’s tragic death on his obsession with alcohol.
The news of the guard’s death triggered emotions as sympathisers had a hectic time consoling his widow, who had rushed to the scene on receiving the news of her husband’s death.

It was said that the expectant wife of the deceased’s boss was shell-shocked and almost passed out at the scene but for the quick intervention of female sympathisers who took her away.

A source said: “But for the noise from those who came to fetch water in the early hours of the day, no one would have known that a tragedy had occurred.
“It was when the deceased failed to come out of his apartment to attend to those fetching water in the premises of the house that his boss came out and discovered his body.”

Shocked by the discovery, the unnamed Ede’s employer reported the matter to a police division at Kemta, Idi Aba.
Sources said the deceased was recently persuaded by his boss to open an account in a bank for the purpose of receiving his salary, following the way he was lavishing his money on alcohol.

A neighbour who spoke in confidence said: “Earlier on the day of his unfortunate death, his employer reminded him of their previous discussion about opening a bank account so he could be paying his salary into the account without delay, especially when he is out of town.

”He was to be paid his salary same Saturday his lifeless body was found in his room.”
Some sympathisers revealed that Ede took to alcohol after suffering depression. He was said to have been warned by his employer and residents of the neighbourhood many times to desist from excessive consumption of the local gin.

“He usually removed his face mask before going to bed. But he took some ogogoro late in the evening and was downcast. Those who saw him at the entrance of his apartment asked him to remove the mask on his face and go to bed, but he refused.

”However, he went to bed forgetting to remove his face mask and slept face down. He was probably choked to death by the face mask,” said a source who spoke in confidence.
The source added: “No one would believe that he started working as a guard in the building in March this year, because he was a likable fellow who related with everyone pleasantly. Hence, he had unhindered access to his boss’ apartment.

“He was a very easy going man, only that he could not restrain himself from indulging in the consumption of local gin which eventually led him to wear a face mask to bed, leading to his death.”

A resident identified simply as Olamilekan disclosed that the deceased had rebuffed those who pleaded with him to retire to bed when he was discovered to be drunk.

“He was sighted on Friday seated at the entrance of his apartment at the security house where he worked. He was looking downcast and was asked to go into his room but he refused. It was shocking that he died overnight.
“From the look of things and without prejudice to police investigations on the cause of his death, he was so drunk and probably forgot to remove his face mask before sleeping face down and suffocating to death.”

Policemen from Kemta Police Division in Idi Aba were said to have evacuated the body of the deceased to the mortuary at the State General Hospital at Ijaiye, Abeokuta.
The spokesman of Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), promised to revert to our correspondent when he was contacted on the phone.

He said: “I haven’t heard about the incident, but I will confirm the story from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Kemta Division and get back to you,” he said.
He, however, had not done so at press time.

Source: impartnewspoint.