Daud Olatunji
PLATFORM TIMES’s investigation revealed that except urgent steps are taken, in a few years, one of the Ogun Communities, Ado-Odo in the Ado-Odo/Ota local government may be submerged and record earthquake due to the Indiscriminate mining activities.
Further findings showed that Ado-Odo was blessed with clay soil in commercial quantity along other mineral resources including oil .
The serene community of Ado-Odo has been marred by the environmental and social impacts of unregulated mining activities.
A recent visit by PLATFORM TIMES to several mining sites in the area revealed a troubling landscape marked by extensive environmental degradation, air pollution, and community discontent.
The journey to the mining sites was challenging, with roads rendered nearly impassable by heavy-duty vehicles.
The once-fertile farmlands have been abandoned, and the Yema River, a crucial water source for the community, has been heavily polluted.
The air, thick with dust and pollutants, poses a significant health risk to the residents.
At the heart of these issues is the rampant excavation of sand and other minerals, which has left the land scarred and the local ecosystem in disarray.
The situation is exacerbated by the presence of companies like Partmost Nigeria Limited and KADKEEM Nigeria Limited, which, despite operating for over a year, appear to lack proper environmental safeguards.
… Community Outcry: A Call for Accountability
During the visit, PLATFORM TIMES witnessed a heated exchange between local chiefs and the mining operators.
The chiefs questioned the legality of the operations and demanded to see the companies’ registration and Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The miners, however, were evasive, with representatives from KADKEEM Nigeria Limited admitting that the CDA was still “on board” and not yet finalised.
The spokesperson for KADKEEM, in a defensive tone, argued that the company had contributed to the community by grading roads and supplying sand to Yema High School.
However, these claims were disputed by community leaders, who argued that the company’s contributions were insufficient and did not meet the agreed terms.
The situation is further complicated by allegations that the mining operations lack the necessary permits from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that a Stop-Work-Order was allegedly issued, but the companies continued their activities unabated, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and corporate accountability.
The palace chief who are the community leaders expressed their frustration with the companies’ disregard for environmental regulations and the well-being of local residents.
The Central CDA Chairman of Aromokala lamented the lack of a proper agreement, emphasising the need for a legally binding CDA that clearly outlines the companies’ responsibilities toward the community.
PLATFORM TIMES’s findings also showed that the absence of a clear, enforceable CDA and the companies’ failure to adhere to environmental laws have left the community vulnerable to exploitation and environmental hazards.
The community leaders while at the site called for immediate action to halt the ongoing environmental degradation and ensure that all mining activities comply with legal and environmental standards.
They demand a transparent and accountable process for negotiating and implementing CDAs, one that prioritises the health and welfare of the community.
A local elder said, “We are not fighting for our own interests alone but thinking of greater tomorrow.”
… Monarch Raises Alarm Over Risk of Submersion Due To Illegal Mining Activities
The Olofin of Ado-Odo, Oba Olushola Idris Adebowale, raised an urgent alarm over the potential environmental catastrophe facing his community due to unregulated mining activities.
The monarch warned that unless immediate government intervention is secured, Ado-Odo may soon face submersion, endangering lives and livelihoods.
Oba Adebowale said the alleged Illegal mining and lack of regulation has been going on before he ascended the throne.
The monarch who was installed by the state government on the 9th of February, 2024, after the demise of Oba Lateef Akanni has been vocal about the unlawful mining practices in Ado-Odo.
The monarch in an exclusive interview with PLATFORM TIMES said “most of these miners are operating without proper authorization.
The monarch said his administration discovered that many miners failed to present the necessary documents, such as a Community Development Agreement (CDA), which is a prerequisite for obtaining a mining licence.
In response to these findings, the community petitioned the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
Upon inspection, officials reportedly confirmed the illegal operations, resulting in a stop-work order issued on April 22, 2024.
However, the order has been blatantly ignored, with mining activities continuing unabated.
When asked what the community would prefer in terms of compensation, the monarch emphasised, “the best compensation the government can offer us is to regulate these activities and ensure best practices are followed.”
Oba Adebowale said, “the previous Olofin did not sign any agreement with these miners, nor have I.
“ When I ascended the throne, we discovered that most of these miners were not eligible to operate in our domain. We called them for a round table meeting and asked for their documents, which they couldn’t provide.
“After that, it became evident that most of them didn’t have the necessary licences. As far as I know, before you can get a mining licence, you need a Community Development Agreement (CDA). The CDA agreement is crucial for obtaining a licence, and we know that the previous Olofin did not enter into any agreement with anyone, nor did I.
“So, we wrote a petition to the Federal Ministry of Mines in Abuja, and the ministry instructed its officials to visit the site. When they arrived, they confirmed that these individuals were indeed illegal miners and issued a stop-work order on April 22, 2024.
“However, to our greatest surprise, the stop-work order was ignored. The best compensation the government can offer us is to regulate mining activities in Ado-Odo and ensure they follow best practices.”
… How Ogun Executive Order Worsens Situation-Report
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the recent executive order by the state governor, Dapo Abiodun compounded the situation of the people in the area .
Abiodun had issued three executive orders to establish two new agencies, namely: the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and The Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency.
Addressing the recent executive order, the Oba said the order proposes the creation of an agency to oversee agreements between host communities and miners, aiming to mitigate environmental degradation.
The monarch acknowledged that some traditional rulers have prioritised financial gains over environmental concerns, leading to severe ecological damage in various parts of the state.
“We are still waiting for the commission to be established,” Oba Adebowale noted, “so we can determine whether it will truly benefit the host communities or not.”
The monarch also voiced concerns over the desecration of sacred sites, which are being exploited by miners.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Ado-Odo, an ancient town rich in tradition, is witnessing mining activities encroaching on its cultural heritage.
“Our youths are agitated,” Oba Adebowale stated, urging for legal and peaceful resolutions.
He stressed the need for journalists to advocate stricter regulations and adherence to the CDA before any mining activities commence.
The affected areas include Idoleyin, Idobarun, Ilisa, Idolana, Ido-Ajaye, Oloparun, Idiota, Akashun, Dodo, Olokuta, Okushu, and Isoyin.
“These areas are now surrounded by miners, posing a significant threat to our environment and heritage,” the monarch lamented.
“What I understand about the executive order is that the government is planning to commission an agency to oversee agreements between the host community and the miners.
“The reason for the executive order seems to be that some traditional rulers are not mindful of the environmental impact, focusing instead on getting money from the miners and allowing them to operate freely.
“The government appears to have recognized that some areas in Ogun State are being degraded, hence the need for an agency to monitor the activities of both miners and the host community.
The monarch highlighted the absence of tangible benefits from mining royalties for the Ado-Odo community, alongside infrastructural degradation caused by heavy-duty vehicles.
He appealed to the government to incorporate Ado-Odo into its developmental programmes and ensure the community receives its fair share of benefits.
“We are not benefiting from the royalties. One of the major concerns of the people in Ado-Odo is the infrastructural problems arising from the mismanagement of roads by heavy-duty vehicles.
“ We are appealing to the government to include Ado in their developmental programmes and to give us our due, as is done in other mineral-bearing communities. We know that once these clay soils are exhausted, they will not be replenished, leaving us vulnerable.
“The unregulated and unsustainable mining practices are causing a lot of concern, and our people are very apprehensive about the future, especially regarding the risk of earthquakes due to the devastating effects of the mining processes, whether dredging or otherwise.
… Community Decries Unsustainable Mining Practices, Calls for Action
Speaking on behalf of the community, Lawyer Kabir Olawale stressed the community’s deep concern for sustainable development and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
Olawale who spoke exclusively with PLATFORM TIMES at the palace of the Olofin of Ado-Odo, said the Olofin is the prescribed authority over the entire Ado-Odo/Ota, a position that has been established long before the advent of any external control.
Olawale reiterated that the community’s history with mining, dates back some years, but, saying, the recent intensification of these activities has brought several adverse consequences.
According to him, the people of Ado are not fighting the government or any other entity; they are concerned about sustainable development that protects the interests of the present and future generations.
Olawale detailed the detrimental effects of mining, which have included the desecration of sacred sites and shrines that are integral to the Yoruba tradition.
“Our sacred shrines, inherited from our forefathers, have been desecrated. Ado is an epitome of our Yoruba tradition, and all these things have been adversely affected,” he lamented.
He also lamented that the community has faced severe environmental degradation, with the removal of topsoil rendering large areas of land unusable for agriculture, the backbone of the local economy.
“We have several acres of ‘waste lands’ that cannot be used for meaningful development, and the economy has been devastated,” Olawale explained.
He added that the activities of miners have led to pollution and increased insecurity, with reports of terror gangs and lawlessness associated with mining operations.
Olawale criticised the lack of inclusiveness in the mining process, highlighting that the community has not been adequately involved or compensated.
He pointed out that while the state controls mineral resources, there has been a blatant disregard for the “Mining Act” that regulates these activities.
“We know there’s a state-centric approach, but the practices we see are unsustainable,” he said.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the situation has been further aggravated by tragic incidents, including the loss of lives in the villages of Iberese and Idobaru due to flooding exacerbated by mining activities.
The community has repeatedly called for better enforcement of regulations, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), which, it was gathered have not been adequately conducted.
Olawale expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability regarding royalties and other benefits that should be due to the community.
“We want support, and the law provides that mineral-bearing communities should receive certain benefits as a matter of constitutionality and legality,” he stated.
The community also demands better Corporate Social Responsibility from mining companies, including infrastructure improvements and social programmes.
“We don’t just want excavators; we want provisions for our people.”
Despite the government’s orders to halt certain mining activities, compliance has been inconsistent, with some operators continuing their activities with impunity.
“We want investors in our area, but, they must respect our laws and contribute positively to our community,” Olawale concluded.
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