Mr Gbenga Fasua, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State Chapter, has led other 17 Local Government Areas (LGA) chairmen to sympathise with Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, Odigbo LGA counterpart.
The ALGON visit was in solidarity and to sympathised with Adegoroye over alleged herbal poisoning that claimed many lives in the council area.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Babatunde Olatunji, Chief Press Secretary to Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo LGA on Saturday.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 24 residents in Odigbo town, New Town and Araromi-Obu in Odigbo LGA, died while several others are hospitalised, after consuming alleged poisonous herbal concoction.
Fasua, also the chairman, Akure South LGA, expressed deep sadness over the reported deaths.
He noted that the loss of no fewer than 30 lives, was a grave development that required urgent and coordinated intervention from all relevant authorities.
He stressed the importance of collective action in confronting challenges that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents.
“I commend you for your efforts towards addressing the situation and I am reassuring you that the other council chairmen shall stand firmly with you at this difficult time,” Fasua said.
Other chairmen equally expressed their sympathy and solidarity with Adegoroye, assuring him of their support as the authorities continue efforts to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and prevent further loss of lives.
They urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with relevant authorities and refrain from actions or practices that could further endanger public health and safety.
Responding, Adegoroye expressed profound appreciation to Fasua and other chairmen for taking the time to visit him, and demonstrating solidarity with the people of Odigbo at such a critical moment.
He described the visit as a significant show of brotherhood and collective responsibility. stressing that the presence of his fellow council chairmen, had further strengthened his resolve to continue working with relevant authorities to protect lives and ensure the safety of residents.
He also appreciated Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his swift intervention, following the development.
The chairman noted that the prompt response of the state government had demonstrated its commitment to preventing the situation from escalating and ensuring that appropriate measures were taken.
“I appeal to residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid the consumption of locally produced alcoholic substances, whose safety and contents may be questionable, particularly pending the conclusion of investigations into the reported deaths.
“Protection of human lives, must remain the collective responsibility of government, security agencies, community leaders and residents, I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions and cooperate with authorities.
“I call on security agencies and other relevant agencies including investigative authorities to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths,” Adegoroye said.
He, however, assured residents that his administration would continue to collaborate with government, security agencies, health authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders, to safeguard lives and restore confidence in the affected communities.
Meanwhile, Adegoroye and other chairmen also paid a visit to the palace of the paramount ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, to commiserate with him over the unfortunate development.
The monarch commended Adegoroye for his proactive, and decisive approach to handling the situation.
The royal father noted that the chairman and the governor prompt intervention demonstrated responsible leadership and a commitment to protecting the lives and wellbeing of residents.
The chairmen who represented the 17 LGA’s at the ALGON visit are: Andrew Ogunsakin, Okitipupa LGA, Tope Omolayo, Owo LGA, Clement Kolapo-Ojo, Ose LGA, and Jude Omolehin-Ayegbo, Akoko South-East LGA.
Others are: Olajide Akinfe, Irele LGA, Ebimobowei Molos, Ese-Odo LGA, Maurice Oripenaye, Ilaje LGA, Joshua Kola-Ogunduyilemi, Ondo East LGA and Ajibola Oldipupo, Ifedore LGA among others. (NAN)