Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, announced in Akure on Sunday 20 September 2026 that he had formally written to the Honourable Chief Judge requesting the constitution of a Coroner’s Court to inquire into the deaths of 48 people linked to the consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products, while confirming that a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework governing such products is already under way.

The Ondo AG coroner’s inquest will examine both the immediate and remote causes of the tragedy on the basis of evidence.

Also read: Toxic herbal drink kills 49 in Ondo

Ajulo stressed that the government’s duty extended beyond establishing what occurred to determining why it happened, whether it could have been prevented, and what systemic changes are required to spare other families similar grief.

Laboratory analysis by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected concoctions, with 11 of 15 samples also testing positive for Cannabis indica.

As of 17 September, NAFDAC recorded 182 cases, five people rendered totally blind and two partially blind.

The outbreak, first reported in early September, centred on communities in Odigbo Local Government Area including Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu, before extending into parts of Irele Local Government Area.

Fifteen people have been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the drinks.

Ajulo noted that the regulatory review of preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products had begun before the latest incident. Stakeholders and concerned citizens had already submitted draft proposals to his office.

Among those who contributed expertise was journalist Goke Oluwole, drawing on experience in the sector.

“Immediately the matter came to the attention of Government, I formally wrote to the Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State requesting the constitution of a Coroner’s Court to inquire into the deaths,” Ajulo said.

He added that the state’s response rested on three commitments: truth for the families who mourn, accountability where responsibility is established, and prevention so that other families are spared this kind of grief.

Where evidence establishes criminal responsibility, appropriate legal action will follow in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

No one will be shielded by status, influence or connection, yet no person will be condemned without due process. Illegal producers and distributors will face the full weight of the law.

The incident has highlighted long-standing challenges around unregulated local herbal and alcoholic preparations, often favoured because of the high cost of conventional medicines.

Health authorities had earlier issued warnings against uncertified products, and local government measures including bans on sale in affected areas were introduced as the death toll rose. Figures remain subject to ongoing verification as surveillance continues.

Ajulo expressed sympathy to the bereaved families, prayed for their strength and comfort, and wished full recovery to those still receiving medical treatment. “We owe the departed the truth, the bereaved justice, and the living a safer tomorrow,” he concluded.

Also read: Toxic herbal drink kills 49 in Ondo

The Ondo AG coroner’s inquest and the parallel regulatory work represent a resolute effort to turn a devastating public health crisis into lasting safeguards for residents across the state.