Ondo to Overhaul Herbal, Alcohol Regulations Following Fatal Concoction Incident; AG Demands Coroner’s Inquest
AKURE, NIGERIA—The Ondo State Government has launched a comprehensive review of the laws governing the production, sale, and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products.
The regulatory crackdown follows a recent tragedy in the state involving the suspected consumption of lethal alcoholic and herbal concoctions.
Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, announced the government’s decisive stance on Sunday in Akure. He warned that illegal producers and distributors of these substances will face the full weight of the law.
Coroner’s Court Activated to Investigate Deaths
To uncover the root cause of the tragedy, Dr. Ajulo has formally requested the Chief Judge of Ondo State to establish a Coroner’s Court.
The inquest will legally examine both the immediate and remote causes of the deaths, relying strictly on forensic evidence to determine how the tragedy occurred and if it could have been prevented.
“The process will include accountability. Where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility, the appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” Ajulo stated. “No one will be shielded from investigation by reason of status, influence, or connection.”
Closing the Regulatory Gaps
According to the Attorney-General, the state’s intervention will extend far beyond the courtroom. The Ministry of Justice is actively auditing the local beverage and herbal sector to identify legislative and administrative vulnerabilities.
Reforms for the sector were already in motion prior to the incident with stakeholders and concerned citizens submitting draft regulations to the AG’s office.
A Three-Pronged Commitment to Justice
The Commissioner emphasized that the state’s ultimate response rests firmly on uncovering the exact facts for the grieving families, prosecuting any individuals or entities found criminally negligent, and reforming structural oversight to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
