The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Akoni (Hon.) Taiwo Adegoroye, has imposed an immediate ban on the sale and consumption of locally made alcoholic drinks and substances following reports of multiple deaths allegedly linked to substance intake in parts of the council area.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Comrade Olatunji Babatunde. According to the statement, the reported deaths occurred in Odigbo Township, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Ore.
The ban covers locally brewed or prepared alcoholic substances popularly known as Monkey Tail, Spirit, Colos and other similar products. The council said the decision followed disturbing reports of deaths among residents in the affected communities.
The statement said preliminary verbal autopsy assessments conducted by the council’s health team had allegedly linked some of the reported deaths to the consumption of the substances. It, however, stressed that further toxicological investigations are ongoing to establish the definitive causes of the deaths.
Adegoroye, according to the statement, expressed concern over the development and warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks and substances. He urged members of the public to prioritise their health and safety while investigations into the reported deaths continue.
The chairman also directed security agencies operating within the local government to enforce the ban and clamp down on individuals involved in the sale and distribution of the prohibited substances. He warned that anyone found violating the directive, including sellers and distributors, would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Adegoroye further called on traditional rulers, youth leaders, residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities by reporting individuals involved in the sale of the banned substances. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and wellbeing of residents across Odigbo Local Government
