Ondo Government Seeks Coroner’s Inquest Into Deaths Linked to Harmful Alcoholic and Herbal Concoctions
The Ondo State Government has moved to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths allegedly linked to the consumption of harmful alcoholic and herbal concoctions, with the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, seeking a Coroner’s inquest into the tragedy.
Ajulo disclosed this in Akure, saying he had formally written to the Chief Judge of the state requesting the constitution of a Coroner’s Court to investigate the deaths.
He said the inquest would establish the immediate and remote causes of the deaths and determine the facts surrounding the incident based on evidence.
According to him, the government was determined to go beyond establishing what happened by identifying the factors responsible and putting measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
Ajulo said the government was also reviewing the regulatory framework governing the preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products.
He said the review would identify loopholes in the existing regulations and recommend stronger legislative, regulatory and administrative measures to protect residents.
The Attorney-General disclosed that the regulatory review had commenced before the latest incident, noting that stakeholders and concerned citizens had previously submitted proposals for stricter control of the sector.
Ajulo warned that anyone found liable after investigations would be prosecuted, regardless of status or influence.
He assured residents that the government would pursue the matter based on evidence and the rule of law, while seeking justice for the affected families and stronger safeguards against future occurrences.
He sympathised with families of the deceased and wished those receiving treatment speedy recovery.
