The Ondo state government has ordered a coroner's inquest into the deaths of over 50 people in parts of the state who were suspected to have consumed harmful herbal and alcoholic concoctions. This move was disclosed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, in a statement on Monday. He stated that the inquest aims to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Dr. Ajulo revealed that he had formally written to the Chief Judge of the state, requesting the constitution of a Coroner's Court to investigate the deaths. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and establish, on the basis of evidence, both the immediate and remote causes of the deaths. This step is part of the government's efforts to address the situation and provide answers to the affected families.
The Attorney-General mentioned that the government is also reviewing the regulatory framework governing the preparation, production, distribution, sale, and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products. This review aims to identify gaps in the existing regulatory system and determine appropriate legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
According to Dr. Ajulo, the government's responsibility goes beyond establishing what happened; it is also crucial to determine why the incident occurred and whether it could have been prevented. The Ministry of Justice has been reviewing the regulatory framework in consultation with relevant authorities, even before the recent deaths. Some stakeholders and concerned citizens had earlier submitted a draft regulation on the activities of the sector to his office.
Dr. Ajulo identified a journalist, Mr. Goke Oluwole, who has experience in the regulation of the sector, as one of those who contributed to the proposed framework. The government will pursue accountability where evidence establishes criminal responsibility, assuring that no individual will be protected because of status, influence, or connections. However, he stressed that nobody will be condemned without due process.
The Attorney-General emphasized that the process will include accountability, and where evidence establishes criminal responsibility, the appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the Constitution and the law. He assured that no one will be shielded from investigation by reason of status, influence, or connection and equally, no person will be condemned without due process.
Dr. Ajulo sympathized with the families who lost their loved ones and prayed for the recovery of those still receiving medical treatment. He stated that the government owes the dead the truth, the bereaved justice, and the living a safer tomorrow. The government's response rests on three commitments: truth, accountability, and prevention.
Key points
- The Ondo state government has initiated a coroner's inquest into the deaths of over 50 people suspected to have consumed harmful herbal and alcoholic concoctions.
- The inquest aims to establish the immediate and remote causes of the deaths and determine what led to the tragedy.
- The government is also reviewing the regulatory framework to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
