Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities, citing their threat to public safety and environmental sustainability.
During a recent inspection of the Ibadan Circular Road project, the Director-General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency, Abiodun Oni, restated the governor’s zero-tolerance stance on unauthorised mining. He said illegal excavation has caused significant environmental degradation, particularly in the Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Oni explained that the inspection was a follow-up to an earlier visit by the governor, who had issued a directive to halt all harmful mining practices in the state. While some level of compliance has been observed, Oni stressed that the government would maintain its firm approach to safeguarding the environment.
He warned that the diversion of resources to mitigate the impact of illegal mining could hamper developmental efforts, adding that the state’s Executive Order on the Security and Protection of Mining Communities remains in force, despite mining being under federal oversight.
“We have identified several illegal operations and their damaging effects,” Oni said. “Though a few operators have responded to our warnings, we are keeping a close watch and will not hesitate to take decisive action. Restoring the environment is costly, and we are determined to prevent further harm.”
In a related development, Oni and his team visited Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area to assess a site where rock weathering had recently occurred. He assured residents there was no immediate threat but urged them to stay clear of the area until it is deemed safe.
According to him, the rock’s weakened state was due to intense heat, which led to structural instability. “Thankfully, no casualties have been recorded,” Oni said, noting that authorities are working with traditional leaders to ensure public safety.
The Chairman of Olorunsogo Local Government, Kazeem Olayanju, represented by his vice, said the council is actively engaging with community leaders and considering erecting a barricade to restrict access to the affected site.
Meanwhile, the Onigbeti of Igbetiland, Oba Bashir Abioye, lauded the state government’s swift response, noting that experts have been mobilised to assess the situation. He urged residents, including hunters and farmers, to steer clear of the rock temporarily.
“This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred,” the monarch said. “The government is taking appropriate steps, and we trust that the safety of our people remains their top priority.”
