Ago-Owu, Osun State – Farm settlers in Ago-Owu have urgently appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to cancel plans to allocate parts of their land for mining.
Consequently, they fear losing their homes and livelihoods if mining operations begin.
Furthermore, approximately 24,000 settlers feel alarmed after receiving a letter from Lukman Jimoda, the Special Adviser on Mining.
This letter grants permission to a company to conduct land testing activities. Consequently, the settlers worry about potential environmental and social impacts.
They fear that the testing could damage their livelihoods and disturb their daily lives significantly.
As a result, they are calling for clearer communication and greater involvement in decision-making processes.
Ultimately, their concerns highlight the need for more transparent and inclusive approaches to land management and resource testing.
As a result, they worry mining could soon disrupt their farming activities.
Adebanji Obembe, the settlers’ leader, voiced these concerns during a press conference on Wednesday. He pleaded with Governor Adeleke and Speaker Adewale Egbedun to intervene immediately. Specifically, Obembe stressed that farming is their only income source, and mining would force them out.
Additionally, Obembe cited a 99-year agreement with the state government allowing settlers to use the land. He noted that Ago-Owu has grown from 4,676 hectares to 16,000 hectares, while the population surged from 2,000 to 24,000.
Seventy percent of settlers are youths and graduates who turned to farming, primarily due to unemployment issues. Moreover, retirees have invested their savings in agriculture, making the land vital for community survival.
Obembe warned that despite efforts, mining might cause premature deaths and increase crime rates as unemployed youths face displacement.
Therefore, he urged the governor to honor the original agreement and strongly reject mining activities in Ago-Owu to protect the community’s future.
Kolapo Alimi, the Information Commissioner, responded by assuring farmers that their rights would be protected during the entire process.
He emphasized that no mining activities would start without comprehensive testing, even if mineral deposits are discovered, to ensure a cautious approach.
Additionally, Alimi encouraged settlers to report any unauthorized mining, highlighting the community’s vital role in protecting their land.
Furthermore, he clarified that while mineral management is federally handled, the land itself remains under state ownership; currently, only testing to confirm mineral presence is planned.
Alimi confirmed no mining is underway and promised fair compensation if approved later. He advised settlers to remain patient and await test results before reacting.
This situation highlights the tension between mining and farming in Ago-Owu. Moving forward, both settlers and officials must collaborate to ensure a just resolution for all.
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