Youths and community leaders of Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government Area, Oyo State, have staged a mass protest against Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, accusing the company of exploiting their natural resources without due process.
The protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Ajibade Must Go,” and “Illegal Mining Must Stop,” marched through the streets before converging at the palace of their traditional ruler, Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran.
Allegations of Exploitation and Environmental Neglect
According to the community’s legal counsel, Femi Aborisade, and the Itasa Community Development Association (CDA), the company has been operating for over 25 years without fulfilling legal obligations, including:
- Conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as required by Section 131 of the Mining Act.
- Submitting a valid Community Development Agreement (CDA) to outline benefits for the host community.
Alhaji Odedele Banji, a community leader, lamented:
“For over 25 years, there is no tangible project to show for Ajibade’s operations in our land. He has refused to sign the CDA or engage the community properly. We have written to local and federal authorities, yet he continues mining. We want him to either sign the agreement or leave our land.”
Youths Demand Accountability
Youth leader, Muritala Busari, echoed similar concerns, stating that the company only makes empty promises whenever the community demands its rightful benefits.
“We are not asking for kickbacks; we want development projects as mandated by law. The company has ignored our stop-work letter and continues operations illegally.”
The Onitile of Itasa, Oba Oyediran, affirmed his support for the protest, accusing Engr. Adeniran Ajibade, owner of Architype Industries, of neglecting the community.
“Other communities benefit from their resources, but we are left with nothing. If Ajibade cannot do the right thing, he should leave our land.”
Mining Company Responds
In reaction to the allegations, Engr. Ajibade denied illegal mining claims, insisting that his company is duly licensed by the federal government.
“I have met with the community leaders and youth representatives before. I am open to renegotiating the CDA under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Mining and other relevant agencies.”
Call for Government Intervention
The protesters have called on the Oyo State Government and federal authorities to intervene and ensure that mining companies operate lawfully and contribute to host communities.
With tensions rising, the resolution of this dispute could set a precedent for corporate accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industry.
