The Ondo State Government has commenced a statewide crackdown on the production, distribution and sale of unregistered, counterfeit, adulterated and substandard products, warning businesses involved in such activities to desist or face sanctions and prosecution.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency, Oluyemi Fasipe, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Akure, where he said the agency had been empowered by the newly enacted state law to take stronger enforcement measures against businesses that violate consumer protection regulations.
Fasipe said the law gives the agency the authority to fine, sanction and prosecute individuals and businesses found dealing in illegal or harmful products. He said enforcement teams would intensify monitoring across the state, particularly targeting fake drinks, adulterated consumables, expired goods, counterfeit products and other items capable of endangering public health.
He warned that the enforcement exercise would also cover filling station operators who manipulate dispensing equipment, as well as producers of sachet and bottled water who fail to meet prescribed safety and quality standards. He stressed that the agency’s focus was on illegitimate operators and not businesses operating within the law.
According to him, any business found culpable could have its premises sealed, while offending products would be withdrawn from circulation and offenders prosecuted where criminal liability was established.
Fasipe further said service providers, including artisans, electricity distribution companies and telecommunications firms, would not be exempt from the agency’s regulatory activities. He explained that businesses and service providers engaging in unfair, deceptive or exploitative practices against consumers would also be subject to enforcement.
The chairman linked the renewed enforcement drive to the recent deaths and health complications reported in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas following the consumption of an unverified herbal product. The incident, according to previous reports, left 49 people dead while about 170 others were reportedly affected.
Fasipe said the incident highlighted the consequences of inadequate regulation and reinforced the need for stronger consumer protection measures across the state. He expressed regret over the casualties and said the agency would intensify efforts to prevent similar incidents by identifying and stopping illegal activities before they pose further risks to consumers.
He urged business operators across Ondo State to review their operations and ensure full compliance with relevant laws, regulations and safety standards. Fasipe warned that the agency would no longer tolerate businesses that exploit consumers or place public health at risk.
The chairman reiterated that the enforcement campaign was intended to protect consumers, promote fair business practices and ensure that legitimate businesses operate in an environment free from illegal competition.
