A growing crisis is unfolding in Itasa, a community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, as local residents and traditional leaders have jointly called on the Federal Government to eject a mining company, Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, from their land. They allege that the company’s operations are endangering lives, degrading the environment, and fuelling insecurity.
During a recent inspection visit to the mining site, community representatives accused the firm of flouting legal requirements by operating without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Community Development Agreement (CDA). They warned that the company’s continued presence could lead to unrest.
Professor Bayo Aborisade, a prominent indigene of Itasa, expressed deep concern over the company’s conduct, claiming that community members had been intimidated and denied access to parts of their own land.
“They are extracting minerals and have empowered strangers to take over the land. These individuals have threatened the locals, claiming the Federal Government backs their presence,” Aborisade told reporters. “They’ve created unauthorised settlements, and many of the people living there speak neither English, Hausa, nor Fulfulde. It’s a security risk, and the company must be removed.”
He also pointed out that the company had failed to engage the community in any agreement on land use or developmental benefits, as mandated by law.
Other community leaders, including Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele, chairman of the Itasa Community Development Association; youth leader Jelili Ogunlade; and Julius Farounbi, echoed the same sentiment, stressing that mining operations had disrupted farming activities and compromised local security.
“We can’t farm anymore. The land has become unsafe. Enough is enough,” said Ogunlade.
Legal expert and community member, Femi Aborisade, accused the mining firm of engaging in illegal operations by failing to fulfil statutory prerequisites. He explained that without an EIA or CDA, the company’s presence lacks legal justification.
“The local government has already ordered the company to stop operations until it reaches a satisfactory agreement with the community. Its current activities violate the law and pose a risk of civil unrest,” Aborisade stated.
Councillor for Ward 04 in Iwajowa Local Government, Hon. Naajeem Busari, also highlighted the broader issues caused by the mining, including unchecked destruction of farms by herders and a lack of any tangible benefits to the town since the firm began operating.
Traditional ruler of the town, the Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, stressed the community’s openness to development, but insisted that the mining firm must adhere to due process and contribute meaningfully to local progress.
“We want peace and fairness. If they’re willing to follow the law and benefit the town, they may stay. But if not, they should leave,” the monarch said.
Mr Olufola Awoyemi, a legal representative from the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ibadan, who was part of the community visit, warned that the situation has escalated beyond environmental injustice.
“There are now security implications. People are afraid and unable to farm or carry on their businesses. JDPC will escalate this issue to draw broader attention to the plight of the Itasa people,” he added.
When contacted, Abiodun Ogunbiyide, the site manager for Architype Industries, claimed the company had complied with all legal requirements and secured consent from the community. However, he was unable to present any documentation when asked by the community’s legal counsel.