Residents of Akinbo community in Ewekoro Local Council of Ogun State have petitioned the state government over the alleged pollution of their primary water source by a company operating in the area.

The residents urged the government to compel the company to stop actions capable of worsening environmental pollution and ensure the cleanup and rehabilitation of the affected environment.

The Olu of Akinbo, Oba Rasheed Olamilekan Balogun, in a letter dated May 26, 2026 and addressed to the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, called for urgent government intervention to avert what he described as a potential public health and environmental crisis.

Balogun alleged persistent discharge of waste materials, chemical effluents and other hazardous pollutants into the environment by the company, noting that the situation has negatively affected residents’ domestic and economic activities.

According to him, residents rely heavily on the water source for drinking, cooking, farming and fishing, but the alleged pollution has rendered the water unsafe for human consumption and household use.

The monarch also claimed that the contamination has led to the death of fish and other aquatic life around the affected water body, raising concerns over the long-term sustainability of the local ecosystem.

He further stated that domestic animals depending on the water source have also reportedly been affected, worsening the hardship faced by residents whose livelihoods depend largely on the natural resource.

Balogun warned that the situation could trigger outbreaks of waterborne diseases and other health complications if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

He added that women, children and the elderly are among the worst affected, as they now bear the burden of sourcing alternative water supplies for the community.

The traditional ruler called on the Ministry of Environment to conduct an environmental inspection and investigation into the activities of the company.

He also demanded detailed laboratory analyses and scientific evaluations of the affected water source to determine the level of contamination and assess potential public health risks.

Balogun urged the government to compel the company to immediately stop activities contributing to environmental pollution and ensure prompt remediation and restoration of the affected area. He further called for appropriate sanctions and regulatory measures if investigations establish that the company violated environmental laws.