Following reports of persistent offensive chemical odour in Iwopin, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, a joint team comprising officials of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, and the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, on Monday, 3rd August 2026, visited the affected community to carry out an on-the-spot environmental assessment.

The inspection team was led to Iwopin by Comrade Ekundayo Safiriyu Owoseni, the Personal Assistant to Hon. Lawal Samusideen Adekunle (Lawee) who guided members of the delegation to the affected locations within the community.

The visit was also attended by representatives of the Ogun Waterside Local Government Chairman, Hon. Prince Adeyinka Okuwoga, including the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), and Hon. Segun Salami, Supervisory Councillor for Information, The Health and Sanitation Officers, also joined the delegation in assessing the situation.

During the visit, residents confirmed that the offensive odour occurs almost daily, particularly during the early hours of the morning and at night. They expressed concerns over its impact on their health and general wellbeing.

The OGEPA team leader, Mrs. Sanni Lateefat, led officials to the Iwopin Health Centre, the Fish Market, and other affected locations, where she interacted with healthcare personnel, youths, and community members. 

Residents alleged that prolonged exposure to the odour has been associated with symptoms such as persistent coughing, diarrhoea, and difficulty in breathing. They also expressed concerns over reported deaths within the community, as well as the adverse effects on aquatic life and farm produce.

Speaking during the visit, HRM Oba Sunday Adeniyi Agbojo, Liken of Iwopin Kingdom, expressed deep concern over what he described as the unusual rate of illness and deaths allegedly linked by residents to the recurring chemical odour. The traditional ruler recalled that officials had previously visited the community following the devastating rainstorm that destroyed over 200 houses, but noted that the community is still awaiting further government intervention.
Kabiyesi appealed to the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to urgently intervene by ensuring a thorough investigation into the source of the pollution and implementing lasting measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of Iwopin.

The monarch further stated that many residents suspect the emissions may be originating from industrial activities in the region, including the **. He urged the appropriate environmental authorities to conduct a comprehensive scientific investigation to determine the actual source of the emissions.

HRM Oba Sunday Adeniyi Agbojo, commended Hon. Lawal Samusideen Adekunle (Hon. Lawee), Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, for his prompt response to the community's distress call. He also appealed for swift government intervention to address the situation and safeguard the health of residents.

The House Committee on Environment, OGEPA, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ogun Waterside Local Government representatives assured residents that the observations made during the visit would be subjected to professional analysis. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together to identify the source of the odour and recommend appropriate actions in the interest of public health and environmental safety