Sulphuric Od0ur Returns to Akure, Former Ondo Speaker Raises Alarm Over Possible Health H∆zard
Sulphuric Odour Returns to Akure, Former Ondo Speaker Raises Alarm Over Possible Health Hazard
Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, has raised the alarm over the recurrence of a strong sulphuric-like odour in parts of Akure metropolis, urging the state governments Ministries of Environment and Health to urgently investigate the development.
Akindele, in a statement, recalled that she had previously alerted the public about the unusual odour, which was reportedly noticed in parts of Akure during the late-night hours.
According to her, several residents subsequently confirmed experiencing the smell, with some reports indicating that the odour was also noticed as far away as Ondo City.
She said the situation became more concerning after the Ondo State Ministry of Environment reportedly announced that the source of the odour had been traced to a particular location within Akure metropolis.
However, Akindele said she remained concerned about whether the identified source could also be responsible for the odour reportedly experienced in Ondo City.
She noted that the smell eventually disappeared for a period but has resurfaced in recent weeks, particularly around the Oba-Ile axis of Akure, where she said she lives close to.
Akindele called on the relevant authorities to move beyond merely identifying the source of the odour and conduct comprehensive environmental and public-health assessments to determine whether residents are being exposed to potentially harmful substances.
She stressed that the short- and long-term health implications of prolonged exposure to an unidentified chemical or sulphur-like odour should not be ignored.
The former Speaker urged the Ondo State Ministries of Environment and Health to intensify monitoring, identify the precise cause and composition of the odour, and take immediate steps to protect residents if any hazardous substance is found to be involved.
She warned that the recurrence of the odour should be treated as a potential public-health concern rather than dismissed as a temporary environmental nuisance.
Akindele said the safety and wellbeing of residents should remain the priority, adding that the authorities must act promptly to prevent what she described as a possible looming health hazard.
“I smell danger,” the former Speaker warned, calling for urgent government intervention and a transparent explanation to residents about the source and safety implications of the recurring odour.
