The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining activities, warning that it intensify enforcement actions against individuals or groups whose actions endanger lives and damage the environment.
Speaking during a recent inspection, the Director-General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency (OSMDA), Mr. Abiodun Oni, said the government remains committed to curbing illicit excavation and ensuring environmental protection across the state.
He gave this assurance while leading officials to the Ibadan Circular Road corridor, where illegal mining operations have degraded vast stretches of land spanning Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Mr. Oni explained that the visit was a follow-up to an earlier tour of the site by Governor Seyi Makinde, who had ordered an immediate halt to all unauthorized excavation activities. While initial compliance had been observed, he stressed that the state would continue to monitor the area to prevent further violations.
“The governor was clear in his directive — this illegality must stop,” Oni stated. “It’s unfortunate that the government now has to commit significant resources to repair environmental damage that could have been avoided. These are funds that should be going into developmental projects that benefit the people.”
He emphasized that despite mining being on the Exclusive Legislative List — meaning it is regulated by the Federal Government — the state still possesses legal mechanisms for intervention, particularly under the Executive Order on the Security and Protection of Mining Communities signed in 2023 by Governor Makinde.
“If these violations persist, we will act,” Oni said. “The Executive Order empowers us to take necessary steps. We will track down the offenders and apply the law as required. We won’t allow anyone to jeopardize public safety or degrade our environment.”
In a separate development, the OSMDA boss and his team also visited Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area to assess the scene of a recent rockfall, which initially triggered panic among residents before experts explained the cause.
Oni reassured the community that there was no immediate threat, attributing the rock weathering to extreme heat that weakened a portion of the rock formation. However, he cautioned residents, particularly farmers and hunters, to stay clear of the affected area until further notice for safety reasons.
“Fortunately, there were no casualties. That’s part of why the governor deployed us here — to provide reassurance and ensure safety protocols are enforced,” he explained. “We are working closely with the local government and traditional authorities to coordinate responses and communicate safety measures.”
He stressed that although the situation is stable, the site remains potentially active, and the risk of further rock movement cannot be ruled out. “We are urging people to avoid the area for now. Precaution is key.”
Also speaking during the visit, the Vice Chairman of Olorunsogo Local Government, who represented the council chairman, Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, confirmed that the local authority had taken proactive steps. These include sensitizing the public through traditional leaders and community outreach, as well as planning the erection of a barricade to restrict access to the rock.
In support, the traditional ruler of Igbetiland, the Onigbeti, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Abioye, commended the swift intervention by the state government. He revealed that he had also deployed a team of experts to assess the rockfall.
“The rockfall incident is not entirely new. A similar occurrence happened last year, and this seems to be a continuation. I appreciate the government’s timely response to prevent any loss of life,” the monarch stated. He added that local hunters and farmers had been advised to suspend all activities around the rock for the time being.