Youths and community leaders in Itasa, Iwajowa Local Council, Oyo State, have staged a peaceful protest against the alleged exploitation of the area’s natural resources by Architype Industries Nigeria Limited.
The protesters accused the company of failing to honour agreements on community development, adequate compensation, and environmental rehabilitation.
The demonstration, held under tight security, saw participants marching through the town before converging at the palace of the Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran.
Chanting solidarity songs, they carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Ajibade, leave our town,” “Stop destroying our land,” and “Gov Makinde, Itasa people seek your aid.”
The protesters allege that the company, led by its owner, Adeniran Ajibade, has operated in the community for over 25 years without conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or signing a Community Development Agreement (CDA) as required by law.
Letters from the community and their legal counsel, ABOPE Chambers, addressed to the company highlighted these violations, citing Section 131 of the Mining Act, which mandates mining companies to establish a valid CDA and engage with host communities.
Speaking during the protest, Community Development Leader Alhaji Odedele Isiaka Banji accused the company of exploiting Itasa’s resources without any benefits to the people.
“This man has been working on our land for 25 years without any meaningful project to his credit. We prepared a CDA, but he refused to sign it. We have written to him to stop working on our land, yet he continues. There is no community representation at the mining site, and the company operates without accountability. This has angered the youths and the entire community,” Banji said.
Youth leader Muritala Busari also expressed frustration over the lack of tangible benefits for the community, accusing the company of exploiting the town’s resources while ignoring legal obligations.
“For 25 years, there has been no solid CDA between the company and the community. Whenever we demand benefits for the community, the owner makes empty promises. We don’t want handouts; we want what is rightfully ours under the law. We’ve issued a stop-work letter, but he continues mining. This is why we are protesting. We don’t want him here anymore,” Busari said.
Vice Chairman of Itile Community Development, Abiodun Oyetunji Jacob, added, “We are fighting for our rights. The resources in our land should benefit our people, not just the company.”
The monarch of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, who received the protesters at his palace, endorsed the protest, describing it as a necessary step to demand justice for the community.
“I support the protest because Ajibade has been working here for 25 years without contributing to our development. We have appealed to him to do the right thing, but he has refused.
“Our community’s development has been stalled, while others with fewer resources are progressing. The government must intervene and ensure he either complies with the law or leaves our town,” the monarch said.
In response, Ajibade denied allegations of illegal mining, insisting that his company is fully licensed by the Federal Government. He expressed willingness to return to the negotiation table with the community.
“I am not an illegal miner. I have met with the youths, the monarch, and other stakeholders before. I am willing to review the existing CDA under the supervision of the Mine Environment Compliance Department of the Federal Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals. Let us continue negotiations to resolve this matter,” Ajibade said.
