Image Credit: Broadcast Radio/Facebook
The Ondo State Government has announced the revamping of the legal framework that regulates and manages the preparation, production, distribution, sale, and consumption of locally produced herbal and alcoholic products. This review was prompted by the deaths of 48 people in the state, linked to the consumption of the drinks.
This review was mentioned in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, 20th September 2026, by the State’s Attorney-General and the Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo SAN, while replying to concerns raised over the herbal alcoholic drinks, which turned out to be harmful.
The series of deaths caused by the consumption of these drinks prompted the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to conduct a series of laboratory tests on these drinks. Laboratory analysis detected a high level of methanol in the samples of the suspected drinks. A high concentration of methanol, when consumed, becomes a toxic substance that can damage several organs, especially the eyes and the brain. The agency also mentioned that 11 of the 15 samples tested came out positive for Cannabis indica. It added that further tests were still being carried out to detect the exact content of methanol present in the drinks and to detect any other harmful substances involved.
Image Credit- NAFDAC Governing Council.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control recorded 182 cases as of the 17th of September, with two victims rendered partially blind and five victims rendered totally blind. The communities that are mainly affected in the state are the Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo Town, Odole, Orita Odigbo, Oniparaga, New Town, and Araromji-Obu. Neighbouring areas such as Irele Local Government also reported some cases.
Responding to human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who called for the prosecution of the 15 suspects arrested over the suspected production, sale, and distribution of the beverages, Ajulo said the state government was taking steps beyond prosecution. He said the government had also begun a wider review of the regulatory framework to address the issue more broadly.
In response to the tragic deaths, Ondo State Attorney-General Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, promptly requested a judicial inquest from the Chief Judge. This coroner’s court will evaluate the surrounding circumstances and evidence to determine what directly and indirectly caused the loss of life.
Image Credit- Facebook
The commissioner sternly warned that anyone found disobeying the law by engaging in the continuous sale of these harmful drinks would be prosecuted. He said that where investigations carried out prove the offender is guilty, proper legal actions in line with the constitution will be taken. Olukayode also emphasized that no offender found guilty will be exempted because of influence, connection, or social status. They will all be punished according to the law, and the process will be followed duly.
The commissioner extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who died as a result of the intake of this harmful substance and those still under treatment; he wished them speedy recovery. He also said measures to prevent future occurrences are being put in place.
