Residents of Itasa community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised serious concerns over illegal and destructive mining activities in the area, with a particular focus on Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, a mining firm they accuse of exploiting their land for nearly two decades. The community is calling on the government to take swift action to prevent further environmental damage and security risks, including potential terrorism and banditry, linked to the unregulated mining.
Professor Bayo Aborisade, representing the community, accused the company of operating without fulfilling its legal and social responsibilities. He highlighted that the company has violated key provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act by failing to sign a Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the host community before beginning operations.
“We prepared the CDA and requested the Managing Director of Architype Industries, Engr. Ajibade, to document his objections so that we could negotiate an agreement. However, he refused. Instead, the Mines Environmental Compliance Officer has called us to negotiate at his whim, which raises questions about the legitimacy of their actions,” said Aborisade.
The community also pointed fingers at compromised government officials who, they allege, have enabled illegal mining activities in the region. According to the residents, these activities have fueled rising banditry, kidnapping, and environmental degradation.
“Regrettably, communities are left exposed to lawless investors who traverse the land with police escorts, creating havoc and leaving a bleak future of poverty and disease,” Aborisade added.
The Itasa community further claimed that Architype Industries does not possess a valid consent instrument from the community, a legal requirement for any mining operation. The company is also accused of not conducting an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before starting its mining activities.
“This blatant disregard for due process has left our environment vulnerable to severe degradation,” Aborisade stated.
Despite repeated requests, the community maintains that Architype Industries has yet to sign the CDA, which was submitted to the company on December 4, 2024. The community also raised concerns over the lack of a geographical survey for the company’s operations, questioning the safety and sustainability of the mining activities.
The community alleges that for the past 20 years, Architype Industries has been allowed to operate without consequence, with the support of compromised officials from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, particularly from its Mines Environment Compliance Department at the Southwest Zonal Office in Ibadan.
In response to the ongoing issues, the Itasa community is urging both the federal and state governments, civil society organizations, and the international community to act swiftly. They demand that all mining activities by Architype Industries and other companies be halted until all legal requirements, including the signing of the CDA, are fulfilled. Additionally, the community is calling for an investigation into the role of government officials in enabling these alleged illegal activities, with a focus on holding them accountable and providing support to restore the community’s environment and livelihoods.
Dr. Doyin Odebowale, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties to the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), voiced his concern about the widespread impunity in the illegal mining sector. He stated, “I have visited Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government, and I can tell you that now is the right time to act for the safety of the community.”
Alhaji Banji Odedele, Chairman of Itasa Community Development Association, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their continued support in addressing the illegal mining issue and safeguarding the environment.
Human rights lawyer Barr. Femi Aborisade, alongside Chief of Staff at JDPC, Barr. Adenike, pledged to continue advocating for environmental justice and protecting Itasa’s residents from the dangers posed by illegal mining.
