Oyo seals houses, business premises over indiscriminate waste disposal

…arraigns five store owners for veterinary law violations

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has sealed some residential and commercial complexes within the Ibadan metropolis for engaging illegal waste collectors, failing to comply with environmental regulations, and operating without registration with approved Private Sector Participants (PSP) waste collectors.

The Ministry’s inspection team visited Bodija, Sango, Eleyele, and Ologuneru, where it was discovered that several facilities lacked waste disposal containers, failed to cooperate with accredited PSP operators, or were completely unregistered with waste collectors.

Ademola Aderinto, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources stated this during an inspection tour within the Ibadan metropolis, adding that the exercise was in line with the directive of Governor Seyi Makinde in order to ensure a clean, healthy, and business-friendly environment across the State.

“Our mandate is clear: to keep Oyo State clean, promote sound public health, enhance productivity, and create an environment that attracts investments and development. That is the reason for today’s enforcement,” the Commissioner said.

He lamented that Oyo State, widely known as the Pacesetter State, must continue to justify that title through lawful conduct, cleanliness, and environmental responsibility, rather than being associated with disorder and environmental degradation.

The Commissioner expressed concern that some facility owners were conniving with illegal waste collectors who dispose of refuse indiscriminately in open spaces instead of approved landfill sites, thereby creating environmental hazards and public health risks.

“These illegal collectors collect cheap fees and dump waste in unauthorized locations, causing serious environmental and health challenges. This will no longer be tolerated. Anything that tarnishes the image of Oyo State or undermines the efforts of this administration will be firmly resisted,” he warned.

Aderinto further cautioned illegal waste collectors to desist from the practice, declaring that the government would no longer condone such activities. He also urged residents and facility managers facing challenges with PSP operators to report to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources or the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority for prompt intervention.

He revealed that some PSP operators were disengaged on the same day for colluding with individuals to violate waste management regulations, stressing that strict sanctions would continue against any operator found culpable.

“If you encounter any issue regarding waste collection or compliance, come to the Ministry. We will guide you appropriately and take necessary action where required. Environmental laws in Oyo State must be obeyed,” the Commissioner concluded.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has arraigned the owner of Lanre Pet Store and 4 others before a Magistrate Court in Ibadan for alleged violations of the Oyo State Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment (Regulation) Law, 2017.

The defendants include Emcare Pharmacy, Pro-Pet Store, Anike Pet Store, Mummy Ps Pet Store, and Adeleye Abayomi, who operates under Lanre Pet Store within the Ibadan metropolis.

The accused persons were arraigned on a 5-count charges bordering on disobedience to lawful order issued by a constituted authority under Section 203 of the Criminal Code Law; obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their duties under Section 197 of the Criminal Code Law.

Obstruction of the Committee in the performance of its statutory duties under Section 16(2) of the Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment (Regulation) Law, 2017; conduct likely to cause breach of peace under Section 249(1)(d) and punishable under Section 249(3) of the Criminal Code Law; as well as alleged damage to government seal placed on the premises in the course of enforcement activities.