Tension Rises Over Alleged Illegal Mining in Oyo’s Itasa Community

Residents of Itasa in the Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised alarm over alleged illegal mining activities threatening their community’s safety, environment, and livelihoods.

The community has accused Architype Industries Nigeria Limited of operating without fulfilling mandatory legal and environmental requirements, including the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a Community Development Agreement (CDA). Citing growing insecurity and environmental degradation, they have demanded that the company vacate their land immediately.

During a visit to the mining site, community leaders expressed deep concerns. Professor Bayo Aborisade, a prominent native of Itasa, told journalists that the miners had not only degraded their land but also empowered individuals who now intimidate residents.

“They’ve occupied our land, barred access to the mining site, and even threatened to shoot us,” Aborisade said. “They claim they are backed by the federal government, yet they have failed to meet the basic conditions required by law.”

According to him, unknown settlers with suspicious identities have taken over the area, raising fears of insecurity. “These people don’t speak any local languages. They pose a serious threat to our safety,” he added.

Other community voices joined in the outcry, including Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele (Chairman of the Itasa Community Development Association), youth leader Mr. Jelili Ogunlade, and Julius Farounbi — all demanding the immediate withdrawal of the company.

“We can’t even go to our farms anymore,” they said. “Enough is enough.”

Legal Backing for Eviction

Community lawyer and indigene, Femi Aborisade, supported the call for eviction, stating that the company had violated statutory requirements.

“Architype Industries is engaging in unlawful mining. They haven’t conducted an EIA, nor signed any agreement with the community,” Aborisade said. “Even the local government has ordered them to vacate the site until these conditions are met, but the company continues operations unchecked.”

Political and Traditional Voices Speak Out

Hon. Naajeem Busari, a councillor representing Ward 04 in Iwajowa Local Government, highlighted how herders are destroying farmlands, compounding the community’s woes. He also criticized the company for failing to deliver any tangible benefits to the area.

Traditional ruler, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, the Onitile of Itasa, appealed for peace and transparency. “We want development, not exploitation,” he said. “If they refuse to do the right thing, they should leave. But if they comply with our expectations, they can stay.”

Justice and Advocacy Groups Join In

Mr. Olufola Awoyemi, a lawyer from the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) in Ibadan, who visited the site, said the situation had moved beyond environmental injustice.

“There are serious security threats. People can’t farm, they can’t run their businesses. This is a crisis,” he said. “JDPC is committed to raising national and global awareness about what’s happening here.”

Company’s Response

Responding to the allegations, Abiodun Ogunbiyide, the site manager for Architype Industries, insisted that the company had complied with regulations.

“We have a valid mining license and land title. We also obtained consent from the community,” he said.

However, when asked by the community’s lawyer to present the required legal documents, Ogunbiyide was unable to do so.