The Director-General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency (OSMDA), Mr. Abiodun Oni, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ending illegal mining activities and halting practices that pose risks to the environment and public safety.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the Ibadan Circular Road corridor spanning Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas—an area recently affected by illegal excavation—Oni emphasized that the state will remain unyielding in protecting its environment.
According to him, the visit followed an earlier inspection by Governor Seyi Makinde, who directed that all unauthorized excavation activities in the area be stopped. Oni noted that while compliance has improved, the agency will not relent in its oversight responsibilities.
“Just a few weeks ago, the governor was here and raised concern about illegal mining causing environmental degradation,” Oni said. “We’ve covered about 8.5 kilometers today and haven’t seen any fresh excavation. This is promising, but our monitoring will be continuous because illegal miners often return.”
He added that the illegal activities not only endanger lives but also impose financial burdens on the state. “We are forced to spend public resources to rehabilitate degraded lands—funds that could be used for developmental projects,” he noted.
Oni cited the Executive Order on Security and Protection of Mining Communities signed by the governor in 2023 as a strong legal instrument the state will continue to enforce, despite mining being under the federal legislative list.
“We must enforce our laws to protect our communities. The Executive Order empowers us to act decisively, and we will not hesitate to do so,” he stated.
Igbeti Rock Weathering: No Cause for Alarm, But Caution Advised
In a related development, the OSMDA DG also led a team to inspect the site of a recent rock weathering incident in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area. The incident initially caused panic among residents.
Oni reassured the community that there is no immediate danger but urged residents to avoid the area until safety is guaranteed. “What occurred was a natural weathering of the rock due to extreme heat. Thankfully, there were no casualties,” he said. “However, people should stay clear of the site as a precaution.”
He disclosed that the state government has been coordinating closely with local authorities and traditional institutions to manage the situation. “We’ve spoken with the council chairman and the Onigbeti, and we’re ensuring all stakeholders are on the same page,” Oni said.
Vice Chairman of Olorunsogo Local Government, speaking on behalf of the council chairman, Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, stated that the council has been proactive in sensitizing residents and is working on erecting a barricade around the affected area.
Similarly, the Onigbeti of Igbetiland, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Abioye, commended the government’s swift response. “This is not the first time we’re witnessing such an incident. The government has shown commitment to protecting lives. We’ve also asked hunters and farmers to avoid the area while experts assess the situation,” the monarch said.
Oba Abioye expressed confidence that the state government will take the necessary steps to ensure the continued safety of the people of Igbeti.
