Ondo Ban Sale, Distribution of Unverified Alcohol Over Deaths In Odigbo

The Ondo State Government has ordered an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances across the state, following the deaths of about 30 people in the Odigbo Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, announced the directive in a statement, saying it was necessary to prevent further loss of life and stop the incident from spreading to other parts of the state.

Health Commissioner Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka had earlier confirmed that 29 people died after consuming a suspected contaminated alcoholic drink, locally known as “monkey tail,” with about 60 suspected cases recorded, three patients still on admission and 27 others under medical observation.

The ban applies to alcoholic drinks and other substances sold in sachets, bottles, or any other form whose source, content, or regulatory status cannot be verified.

Residents have been urged to stop buying or consuming such products, particularly those lacking approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), while sellers and distributors have been directed to immediately cease dealing in any substance that cannot be confirmed as safe.

Ajanaku warned that anyone found violating the directive would face “the full wrath of the law,” and said security agencies have been mandated to move swiftly against the distribution and sale of illegal, unapproved products statewide.

Under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state Ministry of Health has begun investigating the substance believed responsible for the deaths, deploying scientific officers to the affected communities to identify exactly what caused the poisoning.

Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information about the incident, and report suspicious products or sellers to the relevant authorities, describing the protection of lives and public health as a “collective responsibility.”