A Federal High Court in Osogbo has ruled in favour of residents of Fiwasaye Community, Osogbo, restraining a GSM service provider from erecting a mast near residential buildings.

The court declared the approval granted by the National Environmental Standard Regulation Agency (NESREA) and the community leader, the Baale of Fiwasaye, as illegal and null.

The residents, represented by Counsel Yemi Abiona, had sought legal action against the erection of the mast without consultation or consideration for the health and well-being of the community.

The court granted all five reliefs sought by the residents, deeming the mast’s construction a “serious danger, health, and environmental hazard” to the area.

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, presiding over the case, set aside NESREA’s permission and declared the continued erection of the mast illegal.

The judge found that the defendants failed to provide credible evidence of complying with relevant legislations and that the plaintiffs’ testimonies were uncontroverted.

This judgment effectively halts the construction of the GSM mast in Fiwasaye Community Zone D2, Osogbo, Osun State.”