The Osun Masterminds (TOM) has criticised the Osun State Government for allegedly prioritising revenue over environmental management at mining sites. The group expressed disappointment that the state, which had previously accused a gold mining company of infractions, is itself prioritising earnings over the environmental welfare of the region.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, TOM’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, lamented the ongoing environmental degradation in Ijeshaland and urged the government to act swiftly.
Oyedokun-Alli stated, “It is also worthy of mention, the ongoing issues in the gold mining sector of the state. It is sad that the State Government has, over the years, prioritised revenue over the proper management of the environment around the mining sites.”
He continued, “It is also sad that the State Government’s release, where it accused Segilola of several infractions, prioritised earnings over proper management of the environment. We are extremely bothered about the environmental degradation ongoing in Ijeshaland, and the Osun State Government must immediately do something about this.”
He also called on the government to address the involvement of influential figures in the region’s gold mining activities, emphasising, “We cannot continue to pay lip service to the correct management of our environment.”
Last Thursday, the state government had demanded N60 billion in dividends from the Segilola Gold Project and raised concerns about the company’s operations. During a press briefing led by Lukman Jimoda, Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Mining and Natural Resources, and Wale Bolorunduro, Financial Consultant for the Ministry of Mining, it was alleged that Segilola had engaged in unethical practices, including tax evasion, the use of proxies, and non-compliance with environmental regulations.
In response, Segilola Gold Project refuted the claims, dismissing them as baseless. The company’s Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, stated, “Segilola has consistently met its tax responsibilities and royalty payments in full and on schedule,” maintaining the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
