Ondo Air Crash: Monarch Appeals to Tinubu for Urgent Environmental Clean-Up

The Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the environmental concerns arising from the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The monarch is seeking an immediate clean-up of affected communities following complaints about unpleasant odours around the crash site, concerns over water pollution and reported losses suffered by local fishermen.

Residents Raise Concerns Over Water and Air Pollution

The aircraft crashed in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, killing all 25 people on board, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

Since the incident, residents of nearby communities have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the crash, particularly the condition of surrounding waterways and the air around the affected location.

Fishermen in the area have reportedly complained that their activities have been disrupted by the situation, raising concerns about their livelihoods and access to safe water.

The continued recovery operation around the aircraft wreckage has also heightened concerns among residents, particularly over the possibility of aviation fuel and other substances affecting the surrounding environment.

Monarch Seeks Tinubu’s Immediate Intervention

Oba Akinruntan made the appeal in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Sesan Forolagba.

The traditional ruler led other monarchs and members of the Olugbo-in-Council to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, where he called for urgent action by the Federal Government and the Ministry of Environment.

He appealed directly to President Tinubu and the Minister of Environment to prioritise the clean-up of the affected communities and address the environmental concerns raised by residents.

The monarch said the situation had affected local water sources, fishing activities and air quality, warning that further delays could worsen the difficulties facing the coastal communities.

He also commended members of the armed forces for their efforts but stressed that environmental restoration was necessary to protect public health and help residents recover their livelihoods.

Ondo Government Begins Environmental Intervention

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has said it has started measures to address the situation in the affected communities.

The state Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, confirmed that efforts were ongoing to sanitise the environment.

According to him, fumigation had commenced and would be completed as part of the government’s intervention.

However, residents’ concerns over the condition of the waterways and the effect on fishing activities remain important issues requiring attention from the relevant authorities.

The situation has increased calls for coordinated action involving the Federal Government, the Ondo State Government, environmental agencies and the Nigerian Air Force.

Residents are particularly interested in seeing the affected areas properly assessed, necessary clean-up measures implemented and the safety of local water sources established.

The appeal by the Olugbo has therefore renewed attention on the environmental and economic consequences of the military aircraft crash, with affected communities looking to the authorities for lasting solutions.