Scores of Ijesha traditional rulers in Osun State on Wednesday appealed to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to quickly put a stop to mining activities in their domains, citing security threats.
The royal fathers, led by the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, said the influx of illegal miners into the area had aggravated serious security breaches and tension.
DAILY POST on Tuesday exclusively reported that over six thousands illegal miners and other criminal elements invaded the state from Mali between April 2017 and February 2019 posing serious security threat and apprehension amongst residents.
The monarch made the appeal while paying a courtesy visit on the governor to congratulate him on his victory at the Supreme Court.
He said: “It is hoped that you will assist us to rid Ijesaland of the unwanted visitors in the guise of gold miners whose influx into Ijesaland has been giving Ijesas great panic, fear and embarrassment.
“We want the governor and your government to put a ban on gold mining indefinitely.
” We also want you to give favourable attention to our area in terms of development.”
The governor in his reaction said his administration would not relent in its efforts to stamp out illegal miners from the state.
Oyetola however lauded the efforts of the royal fathers for serving as harbingers of peace and harmony among their subjects.
“The issue of illegal mining has reached the front burner, and it is time to nip these ugly incidents in the bud
“We are working assiduously to keep our state safe and to rescue our land from being damaged by illegal miners.
“There is no doubt in the fact that the perpetrators are destroying our land which could have been used for farming.
“We are working so hard to come up with a law that will be regulating mining activities in the state. This will further attest to our commitment to the welfare of our people.
“We understand the danger posed by this act and we are assuring our people of prompt action,” Oyetola said.
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