Dare Babalola
Oyo State Government has shut down Ar-Rahmon Khabul Herbal Nigeria Limited at 20 Cele, Off Tioya Oritamerin Road, Ibadan, citing environmental violations and public health risks.
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) chair, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, announced on Friday that the authority, alongside the environment ministry, sealed off a herbal firm in Ibadan for violations.
She said the action followed complaints from residents about a persistent foul smell and health issues they linked to the company’s operations.
“The enforcement became necessary to safeguard public health, uphold environmental standards, and ensure strict compliance with regulatory provisions across the state,” she said.
Joint inspections revealed the herbal firm was operating a production facility in a crowded residential area, violating environmental and health rules.
Also, investigations showed the firm’s production process involves tobacco, releasing a strong, harmful smell that poses health risks to nearby residents.
Inspectors further discovered the release of harmful gaseous substances into the atmosphere, the discharge of wastewater into a nearby community water body, the installation of a short chimney directly facing residential buildings, and the accumulation of solid waste within the premises despite claims of engaging a waste management contractor.
Before the sealing, the Authority had issued an abatement notice directing the company to halt operations and relocate within 21 days in line with the Oyo State Environmental, Sanitation and Waste Control Regulations.
OYRLEA and partnering agencies stressed that air pollution, improper waste disposal, and hazardous emissions constitute clear violations of environmental laws.
Justice Aderemi reaffirmed the Authority’s resolve to sustain monitoring and enforcement efforts to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for residents across the state.
