The Oloja of Imoru, His Royal Highness, Oba Charles Basorun JP, has called on the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government to intervene as illegal mining activities continue to turn communities into conflict zones.
Illegal mining has been a growing crisis in Nigeria, fueling insecurity, kidnappings, and violent clashes in mineral-rich areas. Ondo State, known for its deposits of crude oil, bitumen, and gold, has witnessed increasing tensions due to these unlawful activities.
In 2024, a youth leader was killed in Leege community, Odigbo Local Government Area, triggering widespread unrest across the state. Now, with illegal mining operations intensifying, communities like Imoru face daily threats.
In an attempt to prevent further crisis, Oba Charles Basorun has petitioned the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to investigate the licence presented by Royalhood Diadem Limited, which he and the Imoru commission claim is fraudulent.
The licence, allegedly issued on 15th November 2024 and set to expire on 14th November 2027, was found to be fake after thorough investigations by the traditional ruler.
“During my research and investigation, I discovered the licence was fraudulent. That was why the community and I wrote to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, requesting a proper investigation into the matter,” Oba Basorun stated.
The Oloja of Imoru further accused the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, of supporting the illegal activities of Royalhood Diadem Limited. He alleged that the NSCDC had deployed hundreds of personnel to safeguard the company’s operations and had plans to send additional forces.
“We recently gathered information that the Commandant General of NSCDC is planning to deploy more personnel to the illegal site in the coming days,” he added.
The traditional ruler has urged both federal and state authorities to step in and hold Royalhood Diadem Limited and the NSCDC accountable. He warned that the continued deployment of security personnel to protect illegal mining activities could escalate tensions and lead to violence.
As illegal mining continues to threaten peace and security in Ondo State, stakeholders are being urged to take decisive action before further conflicts erupt.
