AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Residents of Itasa in the Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State have demanded the immediate withdrawal of a mining company, Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, from their land, citing insecurity and environmental degradation allegedly caused by the company’s operations.
Community leaders claim that the company is operating illegally without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or a Community Development Agreement (CDA), both of which are required under Nigerian law.
During a recent inspection of the mining site, concerned residents expressed alarm over what they described as a growing threat to lives, property, and the environment. A prominent native of the community, Prof. Bayo Aborisade, accused the company of encouraging lawlessness and intimidation.
“They are extracting minerals from our land and have empowered people who now intimidate and threaten residents. They blocked our access to the site and warned that they have federal backing, claiming the government would deal with us if we interfere,” Aborisade said.
He added that strange settlements had emerged around the site, housing people who could not communicate in any known local languages, and whom he described as posing a risk to community safety.
“The company does not meet the basic requirements set by the Federal Government for mining activities. Aside from holding a mining title, they lack an Environmental Impact Assessment and have not entered into any agreement with the community regarding land use or benefits,” he stated.
Chairman of the Itasa Community Development Association, Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele, along with youth leader Mr. Jelili Ogunlade and Julius Farounbi, echoed the call for the company to vacate the land. They lamented that mining activities had disrupted farming in the area, a major source of livelihood.
“We can’t go to our farms anymore. Enough is enough. We don’t want this company operating on our land,” they said.
Legal practitioner and community indigene, Femi Aborisade, emphasized the illegality of the mining activities. According to him, the company failed to meet legally mandated conditions before commencing operations.
“Architype Industries is operating without fulfilling statutory prerequisites such as a valid EIA and a Community Development Agreement. The local government has already asked the company to vacate the site until it resolves issues with the community,” he said.
Ward 04 Councillor in Iwajowa Local Government, Hon. Naajeem Busari, pointed to broader issues, including the unchecked destruction of farms by herders, as part of the worsening crisis. He appealed to the government to halt mining activities in the interest of peace and development.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of the town, the Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, called for fairness and accountability from the mining company.
“We want peace and development. If the company does what is right for the town, they can stay. If not, they should leave,” the monarch stated.
Mr. Olufola Awoyemi, a lawyer with the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), who accompanied the community on the site visit, described the situation as more than an environmental issue.
“We initially thought this was just a case of environmental injustice, but it’s much worse. The safety of residents is at risk. People can’t farm or conduct their businesses. JDPC is taking this further so the world can see what’s happening in Itasa and the wider Iwajowa area,” he said.
In response, the Site Manager for Architype Industries, Mr. Abiodun Ogunbiyide, insisted that the company holds the necessary approvals to operate.
“We have a valid mining licence, obtained community consent, and hold a legal title for this site,” he said, although he was unable to provide documentary evidence when requested.
