Residents of Akinbo community in Ewekoro Local Government state have cried out to the state government over the purported pollution of their primary water source by a company named Burning PIE Ltd.
This is as they requested the government to order the firm to stop any actions that may worsen environmental pollution and to undertake the cleanup and rehabilitation of the impacted environment.
The Olu of Akinbo, Oba Rasheed Olamilekan Balogun, in a petition submitted to the State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, accused the company of allegedly discharging waste substances, chemical residues, and other harmful pollutants into the environment within Akinbo township.
In the petition dated May 26, 2026, residents claimed that the activities of the company have allegedly contaminated their water source, which serves as a major supply for drinking, cooking, domestic use, farming, fishing, and other economic activities.
They further alleged that the contamination has led to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms in and around the affected water body, while domestic animals that depend on the water source have also reportedly suffered adverse effects.
According to the monarch, his people now live in fear that the situation could result in outbreaks of waterborne diseases and other health complications if immediate action is not taken.
He therefore called for immediate government action to prevent what he described as a potential public health and environmental emergency, stressing that the pollution had affected the residents domestic and economic activities.
He explained that the residents relied mainly on the water source for drinking, cooking, farming and fishing, expressing regret that the pollution has made the water unfit for human consumption and household use, placing residents at considerable health and environmental risk.
The traditional ruler cautioned that the pollution caused by company could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases and other health challenges unless relevant authorities take immediate corrective action.
He stated that women, children, and the elderly have been the most affected by the alleged contamination, as they are primarily responsible for finding alternative sources of water for the community.
Oba Balogun called on the Ministry of Environment to urgently carry out an environmental inspection and investigation into the activities of Burning PIE Ltd in the area.
He also demanded detailed laboratory analyses and scientific evaluations of the affected water source to ascertain the level of contamination and assess any potential risks to public health.
The petition asked the Ogun state government to compel Burning PIE Ltd to immediately cease all activities that could further degrade the environment and to ensure the prompt remediation and restoration of the affected area.
Oba Balogun further called on the government to implement appropriate sanctions and regulatory actions if investigations confirm that the company breached environmental laws.
