Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured farmers that there are no plans to displace them from their lands in favour of mining operations, following concerns raised over suspicious activities on farmland in parts of the state.
In a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor responded to a recent “Save Our Soul” appeal from worried farmers, clarifying that the activities observed were part of a comprehensive mapping project being carried out by the state’s Solid Minerals Office.
The statement explained that officials have been visiting various towns and villages to conduct a statewide mineral survey, which includes soil testing and data gathering aimed at identifying both tapped and untapped mineral assets across Osun.
Governor Adeleke emphasised that the mapping initiative is purely exploratory and forms part of a broader strategy to evaluate the state’s natural resources without disrupting existing livelihoods.
“The Governor reassures the farming community that there is no intention to remove them for mining purposes. The individuals seen around the farms are involved in a state-sanctioned survey of natural assets. Farmers are encouraged to cooperate with these officials, as there are no licensed mining activities in the areas where protests have occurred,” the statement read.
The governor further reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of farmers, noting that he would not support any policy that puts their welfare at risk.
“Our Governor values the contributions of farmers and will not endorse any action that could harm them or any citizen of Osun State. Farmers in the affected areas should continue their activities peacefully,” the statement concluded.
