By Elizabeth Godwin
The Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to residents over indiscriminate waste disposal and open defecation, declaring both acts as prosecutable offences under the state’s environmental laws.
Speaking during the arraignment of environmental offenders at the Environmental Tribunal Court in Ibadan on Friday, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Barrister Seun Ashamu, emphasized that the government would no longer tolerate disregard for sanitation regulations.
He cautioned residents against dumping household waste in market skip bins and urged them to register with certified Private Sector Participants (PSPs) or government-approved waste collectors in their local government areas.
“The era of careless refuse dumping in unauthorized bins without proper registration is over,” Ashamu said. “It’s more cost-effective to pay a modest fee to registered waste consultants than to face prosecution and hefty fines when caught.”
Ashamu confirmed that the Environmental Tribunal Court is now fully operational and empowered to prosecute violators. He revealed that nearly 1,000 offenders have already been penalized through fines, community service, and in some cases, up to one month in prison.
The commissioner said the new enforcement drive aims to enhance public hygiene, curb environmental degradation, and promote a cleaner and safer Oyo State.
He called on residents to comply with waste disposal regulations, adding that continued negligence would attract strict legal consequences.
