The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), Mr. Abayomi Hunye, has warned residents to desist from dumping refuse on major roads and other unauthorised locations, describing the act as illegal and punishable under state environmental laws.
Hunye stated that anyone caught dumping waste unlawfully would be fined N25,000, adding that offenders who fail to pay the fine would be prosecuted. Upon conviction, such persons risk a fine of up to N2 million or a three-month jail term. He stressed that OGWAMA would not hesitate to enforce the law through legal action where necessary.
The OGWAMA boss also dismissed allegations of extortion levelled against him by a group claiming to be members of the Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers of Nigeria (AWMVRN), describing the claims as false, baseless and mischievous.
Recall that the group had on Monday staged a protest in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, accusing Hunye of extortion, arbitrary levies and attempts to sideline long-standing operators in the scrap and recycling sector.
However, the Chairman of AWMVRN, Mr. Adesanya Kunle, later disowned the protesters, describing them as former members who were suspended in 2023 over alleged fraudulent activities.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Abeokuta on Thursday, Hunye said the allegations were aimed at tarnishing his image and that of the agency.
“The allegations of extortion against my person are completely unfounded and baseless. At no point have I demanded or collected money from any operator, either directly or indirectly,” he said.
He added that although the protesting group claimed to have written petitions to the Ogun State House of Assembly and the Commissioner of Police, OGWAMA had not received any official communication from any of the offices mentioned.
Hunye further explained that the adjustment of fees being referenced by the protesters was implemented in 2024 and had long been resolved, describing its resurfacing in 2026 as curious.
“Extortion involves the illegal collection of money for personal gain. All payments made by operators go directly into designated state government accounts. OGWAMA does not collect cash, and I have no personal interest in these payments beyond ensuring that due process and the law are strictly followed,” he said.
He emphasised that his priority remains the protection of his integrity and the credibility of OGWAMA, noting that the agency operates strictly within its statutory mandate to review and adjust fees when necessary.
The media parley was attended by some association members who carried placards expressing solidarity with Hunye and pledging their support for his leadership at OGWAMA.
Also speaking, AWMVRN Chairman, Mr. Adesanya Kunle, reiterated that the protesters had been suspended indefinitely since 2023 and were no longer recognised as members or executives of the association.
He disclosed that the suspended individuals later formed another group, the Association of Waste Managers, Vendors and Recyclers of Nigeria, without approval from the state government.
“These people parading themselves as authentic members of the association are not. They were suspended in 2023 due to illegal practices that contravened OGWAMA regulations and state government policies,” Adesanya said.
He alleged that the protest was staged because Hunye refused to condone corrupt practices.
“They wanted the MD to approve or embrace their corrupt acts, and when they couldn’t have their way, they resorted to making unfounded allegations against him,” he added.