The Ondo State Government has sealed Olukayode Shopping Plaza in Akure following a court order over alleged improper evacuation and disposal of waste from its premises.
The order followed evidence presented by the State Ministry of Environment that the management of the shopping plaza allegedly evacuated a filled septic tank manually in a manner capable of generating offensive odour and exposing members of the public to health risks.
The court was also informed that an unregistered private waste service provider contracted to evacuate the waste allegedly disposed off the substance indiscriminately by the roadside along the Oba-Ile–Airport Road, resulting in an offensive odour and potential threat to public health.
Speaking during the sealing of the premises, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Engr. Akinluyi Omotola, said the ministry approached the court after receiving credible information about a vehicle conveying a substance suspected to be hazardous and emitting an offensive odour.
According to him, a patriotic citizen, acting on credible intelligence, provided information that enabled officials to trail and intercept the vehicle.
Akinluyi said the driver was subsequently handed over to the police for questioning and further necessary action.
He identified the driver as Olorunwa Sunday, a native of Delta State and resident of Oke-Aro, who allegedly told investigators that he was contracted to dispose of the suspected malodorous substance evacuated from Olukayode House at any convenient location.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, assured residents that the state government would take all necessary measures to protect public health, safety and the wellbeing of residents.
Loko said the ministry would conduct a proper inspection of the premises, including the septic tank, while environmental professionals would fumigate the facility to ensure the safety of occupants and members of the public.
The defendant, Olukayode Shopping Plaza, was not represented in court when the matter came up.
However, the judge, citing the sensitivity of the alleged offence and the public-health implications, ordered that the shopping plaza be sealed pending further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned until Thursday, September 17, 2026, for further hearing.
The court also ordered that Olorunwa, the driver of the vehicle allegedly used to convey the harmful substance, be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.