The Director General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency (OSMDA), Abiodun Oni, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining and halting environmentally destructive activities.
This follows a recent inspection of the Ibadan Circular Road corridor, where unlawful excavation has significantly damaged land spanning Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Oni explained that the visit was a follow-up to an earlier inspection by Governor Seyi Makinde, who had directed an immediate halt to the activities. While the initial warning has brought some reprieve, Oni stressed that the government would not let up in its efforts to safeguard the environment.
He expressed concern that the state is now forced to allocate substantial funds—resources that could otherwise be channelled into development—towards repairing the environmental damage caused by unregulated excavation. He reminded the public that the state’s Executive Order on the security and protection of mining communities remains in effect, and the government intends to enforce it rigorously, even though mining remains on the Federal Government’s exclusive legislative list.
“About a few weeks ago, the governor had an inspection around here and discovered the kind of illegal mining activities going on here. We found out the kind of environmental degradation happening here. So, we have come today as a follow-up to the inspection he did. We also had a team from the ministry and agency that came here a few days ago, which met with the people causing the havoc here,” Oni stated.
He noted that there had been no active excavation across an 8.5-kilometre stretch during the recent inspection, suggesting that the warnings were beginning to yield results. However, he warned that illegal miners often return and vowed that the state would maintain vigilance.
“Though they have done what they have done, they are not going to continue doing it. We will make sure that they don’t continue to do this excavation. Just look at the land. It is going to cost a lot more to be able to reclaim it,” he said, adding that enforcement efforts will continue as long as necessary.
In a separate development, Oni and his team visited Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area to inspect the site of a recent rock weathering incident that initially caused panic among residents. The government has since clarified the cause of the event and urged the public to remain calm.

“From what we have seen, the rock was subjected to extreme heat and it made a weak part of the rock to come down. To the glory of God, we don’t have any casualty and this is one of the reasons the governor sent us here to calm nerves down,” Oni explained.
He urged residents to avoid the affected area, warning that further rock dislodgement could occur. He said the state government is working closely with the local council and traditional authorities to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Kazeem Olayanju, Vice Chairman of Olorunsogo Local Government, speaking on behalf of the council chairman, stated that the local government has partnered with traditional institutions to inform residents of the potential risks. He also confirmed that plans are underway to erect barricades around the rock to restrict access.
The Onigbeti of Igbetiland, Oba Bashir Abioye, commended the state government for its swift response. He confirmed that a team of experts has been tasked with assessing the situation and that hunters and farmers have been instructed to avoid the site.
“This incident also occurred last year and the one that just happened was the continuation of what happened last year. The government of Oyo State has taken the necessary steps to make sure that no life is lost,” said the monarch.
He expressed confidence that, with the state’s proactive approach, appropriate measures would be taken to safeguard lives and restore environmental safety in the area.