By Adeyinka Adeniran
At Least one traditional ruler, two Baales (community heads) and two mining companies are under investigation in relations to their various involvement in illegal mining activities in parts of Oyo state.
Although, the names and identities of those involved in the ongoing investigation could not be confirmed as at the time of this report, it was gathered that the recently suspended Onido of Ido, Oba Gbolagade Babalola remains one of those under investigation.
The Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMDA), Abiodun Oni made the disclosure at the weekend after conducting an on-the-spot assessment visit to the controversial illegal mining site at Odo Ogun village in Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan.
He said the outcome of the ongoing investigation will determine if the government will either prosecute or let the suspected individuals go.
Oni called on village heads, hunters, farmers and other residents of the state to report any suspicious mining activity in their localities to the government through the agency.
The latest call follows an earlier directive to all the 33 local government chairmen, traditional rulers and chiefs in the state to fish out illegal miners, bandits and land grabbers in their respective council areas and domains.
The moves, it was gathered reiterates the state government’s zero tolerance for crime and criminality and plans to stop at nothing to ensure safety of lives and property of the citizens.
It follows the January 16, 2024 explosion that rocked Bodija area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital city as a result of storage of explosives by illegal miners in a residential area.
Speaking, Oni restated the determination of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to sanitise the solid mineral sector, saying it will be a continuous exercise because the governor is very passionate about expanding the state’s economy through the abundant opportunities in the sector.
According to the OYSMDA boss, the agency has been collaborating with security agencies on the investigation of some mining companies colluding with some traditional rulers to shortchange the people in mineral-holding communities and the state government.
The DG maintained that prior to this time, the state government through the Agency had cautioned all stakeholders to stop the act of conspiring with illegal miners.
He said “Specifically, there are two Baales and one king as well as two mining companies involved in the ongoing investigation. Once the ongoing investigation is concluded, the government will either prosecute or let go of the suspected individuals.
“It’s time to put an end to the pilfering of our commonwealth, no matter the class of person or persons found guilty of the illegal mining act, they will face the wrath of the law.
“You would have noticed the determination of His Excellency, Governor Makinde, towards growing Oyo State’s economy through solid mineral development. This commitment was also recently demonstrated when he signed the Executive Order on the security of mining communities.
“We will stop at nothing to rid this state of illegal mining activities, but government needs the people to achieve this objective and that is why we always say that if you see something, say something.
“Hunters, village heads, farmers and every other citizen that suspect any act of mining in their community/village should do well to inform the Agency and on our part, we will protect the identity of all informants.”
