The Ondo State Government says it has commenced legal action against the owner of an illegal poultry farm operating within a residential area of Akure, following public outcry and a report by Roving Reporters over environmental and health risks posed to residents.
This was contained in an official rejoinder issued on Monday by the Ondo State Ministry of Environment in response to the publication titled “Residents Cry Out Over Illegal Poultry Causing Environmental Crisis in Akure… Say Environment Commissioner’s Visit Yields No Result”, in which the report alleged that government intervention had failed to produce any meaningful outcome.
Reacting to the claims, the Ministry described the report as “misleading, unfair and inconsistent with the true state of affairs,” insisting that the matter had not been abandoned but was already being handled through lawful and procedural channels.
The Ministry stated that contrary to insinuations that the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, merely visited the site without enforcing action, the issue had progressed from investigation to formal enforcement and now litigation.
Legal Steps Against Poultry Owner
According to the Ministry’s statement, the complainant formally lodged a report on October 24, 2025, prompting an immediate site inspection led personally by the Commissioner and accompanied by senior ministry officials.
A follow-up assessment was subsequently carried out by technical officers to establish the level of environmental impact caused by the poultry operation located at Jerusalem Avenue, Ifelodun Community, around Kajola, off Oda Road in Akure South Local Government Area.
Following these assessments, the Ministry issued a statutory abatement notice to the poultry operator, directing him to relocate the facility within seven days — a significant deviation from the standard 30-day compliance period — in view of the severity of the environmental violations.
When the owner failed to comply with the directive at the expiration of the ultimatum, the Ministry said it initiated litigation proceedings against him, adding that the case is now progressing through appropriate judicial channels.
“It is therefore inaccurate and unprofessional to suggest that no result has been achieved while the matter is clearly undergoing legal processes,” the Ministry stated.
Govt Debunks Allegations
The Ministry also outrightly rejected claims that officials “visit, collect something and go,” describing the assertion as defamatory and unsupported by verifiable evidence.
“We challenge the publishers to provide proof of such claims. The Ministry will not hesitate to sanction any officer found culpable,” the statement said.
It further dismissed suggestions that the Commissioner abandoned the case, stating that while residents may desire instant sealing or arrests, such actions without legal backing could jeopardize prosecution and undermine the integrity of enforcement.
The Ministry maintained that all actions taken so far were rooted in legal compliance, procedural transparency and institutional accountability.
Commissioner Defended
The statement also defended the person of Dr. Tob Loko, noting that he was not obligated to personally intervene but chose to do so as a demonstration of proactive leadership.
“To portray such commitment as yielding no result amounts to deliberate misrepresentation,” the Ministry said, adding that the Commissioner maintains open communication lines with journalists and has never denied any reporter access to clarification.
Appeal for Patience
The Ministry appealed to residents of Jerusalem Avenue, Ifelodun Community and surrounding areas to remain patient as the case continues through legal channels, assuring that government remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring public safety.
It further urged the media to uphold professional standards by seeking verification before publication, stressing that responsible journalism remains key to public trust and accountability.
