Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has recounted how his wife, Dolapo, reportedly discovered that the freshly squeezed orange juice she regularly consumed was not safe for human consumption.

Osinbajo shared the experience while speaking at the Open Day for Gardeners’ Seminar, themed “Leaving the Earth Better Than We Found It,” held in Lagos on August 28, 2026.

Dolapo’s recurring headaches raise concerns

According to Osinbajo, Dolapo had begun experiencing unusual headaches every few days despite maintaining what she considered a healthy lifestyle.

He said one of her regular habits was drinking a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice every day.

After reviewing her diet and failing to identify a possible explanation for the recurring headaches, Osinbajo said she decided to send a batch of the orange juice to a laboratory for testing.

According to him, the laboratory result indicated that the juice was “not fit for human consumption.”

Osinbajo raises concerns over chemicals in produce

The former vice president said the discovery raised concerns about the chemicals allegedly used by some farmers and traders to ripen or preserve fruits and vegetables.

He referenced studies and surveys which he said found that some fruit sellers admitted to using substances including calcium carbide and other potentially toxic chemicals on produce.

Osinbajo warned Nigerians against assuming that food is safe simply because it looks fresh or a drink is described as natural.

“The fact that fruit looks fresh doesn’t mean that it is safe,” he said.

Calls for stronger food safety measures

Osinbajo called for stronger regulation and enforcement to ensure safer food practices across the agricultural and food supply chain.

He also urged farmers and traders to adopt safer methods while encouraging consumers to ask questions, properly wash fruits and vegetables and report suspicious practices.

The former vice president further stressed that individuals have a role to play in their communities by speaking up and supporting efforts aimed at improving food safety.

His remarks have renewed attention on concerns surrounding food handling, chemical use and the need for stronger safeguards to protect consumers.