…CHAIRMEN VISIT ORUNJA OF ODIGBO KINGDOM, URGE CALM, THOROUGH INVESTIGATION
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State Chapter, and Executive Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Dr. Fasua Gbenga Timothy, has led his fellow Local Government Chairmen on a solidarity and sympathy visit to the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Akoni (Hon.) Taiwo Adegoroye, following reports of alleged substance-related deaths in parts of the council area.
The visit aimed to express solidarity with the people of Odigbo and commiserate with the council leadership over the disturbing development, which has generated widespread concern among residents and stakeholders.
Speaking at the Odigbo Local Government Secretariat, Hon. Fasua described the reported loss of lives as deeply saddening and a matter requiring urgent, coordinated and decisive intervention.
He commended Akoni Adegoroye for his proactive response to the situation, assuring him that his colleagues across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State stood firmly with him and the people of Odigbo at this difficult moment.
Fasua stressed that protecting the lives and well-being of citizens remained a collective responsibility, noting that government at all levels, security agencies, health authorities, traditional institutions and communities must work together to prevent further loss of lives.
The accompanying Local Government Chairmen also expressed their condolences and solidarity, urging residents to remain calm, cooperate with relevant authorities and avoid actions capable of further jeopardising public health and safety.
Responding, Akoni Taiwo Adegoroye expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Fasua and his fellow Local Government Chairmen for the visit, describing it as a powerful demonstration of brotherhood, unity and collective responsibility.
He said the solidarity shown by his colleagues had further strengthened his resolve to work with relevant authorities to protect lives and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.
Adegoroye also commended the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, FCA, for his prompt intervention, saying the swift response of the state government underscored its commitment to protecting lives and preventing the situation from escalating.
The Odigbo Council Chairman appealed to residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly regarding the consumption of locally produced alcoholic substances whose contents and safety may be questionable, pending the conclusion of investigations.
He called on security agencies and other relevant investigative authorities to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths, establish the actual cause and identify any person, group or factor found culpable.
Adegoroye maintained that although the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths remained subject to investigation, every necessary step must be taken to establish the facts, prevent further loss of life and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the full weight of the law.
He further assured residents that the Odigbo Local Government would continue to collaborate with the Ondo State Government, security agencies, health authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to safeguard lives and restore peace and confidence in the affected communities.
He equally urged residents to provide credible information to appropriate authorities and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of creating unnecessary panic.
CHAIRMEN VISIT ORUNJA OF ODIGBO
As part of the solidarity visit, the Local Government Chairmen, led by the ALGON Chairman, also paid a courtesy and sympathy visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Rufus Akinrinmade, FCNA, FCPA, the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom.
The monarch commended Akoni Adegoroye for his proactive and decisive response to the situation, describing his intervention as a demonstration of responsible leadership and concern for the lives and well-being of his people.
Oba Akinrinmade urged other Local Government Chairmen to emulate such proactive leadership by identifying emerging threats early and taking timely measures to protect their people.
The solidarity visit ended with a renewed commitment by the Local Government Chairmen to support one another and work collectively with the Ondo State Government and relevant agencies to address challenges affecting the health, safety and wellbeing of residents across the state.
Among the Local Government Chairmen present were Hon. Dr. Fasua Gbenga Timothy, ALGON Chairman, Ondo State Chapter and Chairman, Akure South Local Government; Hon. Soga Andrew Ogunsakin, Okitipupa; Hon. Tope Omolayo, Owo; Hon. Clement Kolapo Ojo, Ose; Hon. Omolehin Jude Ayegbo, Akoko South East; Hon. (Deacon) Olajide Akinfe, Irele; Hon. Ebimobowei Molos, Ese Odo; Hon. Oripenaye Maurice, Ilaje; Hon. Ogunduyilemi Kola Joshua, Ondo East; Hon. Oladipupo Ajibola, Ifedore, among others.
Signed:
Ayodele Dayo Temitope
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman
Akure South Local Government
September 11, 2026.
