The Lagos-based EnviroNews Advocacy and Campaigns for Sustainability (ENDVOCAS), a non-profit organisation, has said that it is prepared to take legal action to compel the Oyo State Government to address the environmental risks posed by the transformation of the Ogunpa River Channelisation into a waste dump, as well as encroachments into its designated setbacks.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Ibadan on Friday, December 20, 2024, the Executive Director of ENDVOCAS, Michael Simire, expressed frustration over the government’s apparent disinterest or incapacity to address the issue.
He stated that, despite submitting a petition titled: “Urgent Need to Address Transformation of Ogunpa River Channelisation into a Waste Dump and Encroachment into Allowable Setbacks” to the Oyo State Government in February 2024, followed up with a road show and advocacy visits, government officials have not taken any remedial actions despite the growing environmental hazards.
Simire revealed that the group is now left with no other option than to take legal action to compel the authorities to fulfill their responsibilities and safeguard the environment.
As stated in the petition, Simire charged the government to immediately stop illegal refuse dumping in the Ogunpa River Channel and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
He also called for a halt to all encroachments on the channel’s setbacks, demanding the demolition of temporary and permanent structures erected within these areas with offenders held accountable for their actions.
Executive Director, EnviroNews Advocacy and Campaigns for Sustainability, Michael Simire (middle), briefing the media in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, December 20, 2024. He is flanked on the left by the organisation’s Legal Adviser, Yomi Ogunlola
He stressed that urgent action is needed to protect the environment and serve the interests of the people.
“We demand that measures should be immediately it in place via a collaboration involving Oyo State Government, Federal Government and World Bank to complete the Ogunpa River Channelisation project so as to achieve the ultimate aim of the project such that the attendant incidences become a thing of the past,” Simire stated.
Legal Adviser to EnviroNews Advocacy, Yomi Ogunlola, said: “We are concerned citizens, all we want is the best for our state and our dear country, what we seek is for the betterment of the people, protection of people and the environment is sacrosanct. So, we have decided to test the law and seek a way out through that route, and our lawyers have been briefed in that regard.”
