In a revealing report published by the Nigerian Tribune, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has raised serious concerns about unauthorized mining activities and potential security threats in Osun State, particularly around Ilesa and Ile-Ife regions.
“You know, the influx of Northerners into Ilesa is because of mining of solid minerals and Ile-Ife. We have seen that,” Adams began, before sharing a disturbing personal observation from his travels.
The Yoruba leader recounted a specific incident: “There was a day we were coming from Kogi State after an OPC event that took place there. We passed through the inner forest of Ilesa and Ile-Ife, the Northerners we saw there inside the forest would not be less than 30,000 and they had created a lot of villages in that forest and there were no Yoruba people living there.”
Adams expressed particular concern about the apparent lack of oversight and local authority involvement. “Who is the Baale of that area? Who is the Oba of that area? Who gave them the authority to mine your solid minerals?” he questioned, adding critically, “Yoruba always take their safety with levity.”
The traditional security chief highlighted the extent of the problem: “And most of the communities in Ilesa have been overrun because of these mining activities.” He also raised concerns about resource exploitation, noting, “Unfortunately, 95 to 98 percent of those resources is being taken away by the Northerners; we don’t benefit from it.”
Most alarmingly, Adams suggested potential security implications: “So, it is easy for the miners to hide Boko Haram elements where they are living.”
These disclosures from a prominent Yoruba leader highlight the complex interconnections between resource exploitation, security challenges, and community oversight in contemporary Nigeria. The situation in Ilesa and Ile-Ife appears to exemplify broader national challenges regarding resource control, security, and local governance.
The revelations also raise questions about environmental impact, economic benefits, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks in Nigeria’s mining sector. Adams’ statement suggests a urgent need for greater oversight and local involvement in resource exploitation within Yoruba territories.
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