Protesters in Itasa, Oyo State, took to the streets to demand justice. They were concerned about the alleged exploitation of their natural resources by Architype Industries Nigeria Limited.
The company is owned by Adeniran Ajibade. It has been accused of operating in the community for over 25 years. During this time, it did not conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It also did not sign a Community Development Agreement (CDA) as required by law.
Community leaders and youths carried placards with inscriptions such as “Ajibade, leave our town.” They also had signs that said “Stop destroying our land.” They marched through the town and converged at the palace of the Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran.
According to Community Development Leader, Alhaji Odedele Isiaka Banji, “This man has been working on our land for 25 years. He has not completed any meaningful project to his credit. We prepared a CDA, but he refused to sign it. We have written to him to stop working on our land, yet he continues.”
Youth leader, Muritala Busari, expressed frustration over the lack of tangible benefits for the community. He said, “For 25 years, there has been no solid CDA between the company and the community.” Whenever we demand benefits for the community, the owner makes empty promises. We don’t want handouts; we want what is rightfully ours under the law.
The monarch of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, endorsed the protest. He stated, “I support the protest because Ajibade has been working here for 25 years. He has not contributed to our development. We have appealed to him to do the right thing, but he has refused.”
In response, Ajibade denied the allegations of illegal mining, saying “I am not an illegal miner. I have met with the youths, the monarch, and other stakeholders before. I am willing to review the existing CDA. This will occur under the department’s guidance. The department is the Mine Environment Compliance Department of the Federal Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals. Let us continue negotiations to resolve this matter.”
