Osun: No witch-hunting in our mining reforms — Adeleke
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring fairness in the state’s mining sector, stressing that there is no witch-hunting agenda targeting individuals or businesses.
The governor made this clear in a statement signed on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. Adeleke, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, made the remarks at a stakeholders’ forum.
He addressed ongoing legal and policy challenges within Nigeria’s federal system, particularly in the mining sector, where state, federal, and community rights often conflict.
Adeleke emphasised the need for clearer delineation of responsibilities between state and federal authorities to resolve complications within the sector. He also commended the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for its efforts in regulatory coordination.
The governor clarified that the state’s mining reforms are not aimed at targeting specific groups but are focused on ensuring that the rights of all stakeholders—businesses, host communities, and the state government—are respected.
“We are all aware of the policy and legal complications surrounding our federal system. The struggle to address these issues continues, especially within the solid minerals sector,” Governor Adeleke stated, noting how some stakeholders exploit legal grey areas to undermine the rights of states and host communities.
Adeleke outlined the proactive steps his administration has taken to strengthen Osun’s position within the mining sector through firm yet fair policy actions.
“Our administration, early on, launched ambitious mining sector reforms to assert the rights of our state and host communities. These efforts are now yielding positive returns,” the governor affirmed.
He highlighted the revalidation of mining licences and the recovery of Osun’s shares in the Segilola mining project, alongside efforts to ensure that mining companies pay taxes and fulfil other financial obligations.
Governor Adeleke also stressed the state’s efforts to secure compensation for environmental damages caused by mining activities, pointing to the health and development challenges faced by mining towns and villages.
“Our administration has revalidated our mining licences, reclaimed Osun’s shares in the Segilola mining project, and is pushing for the payment of taxes and other financial obligations by Segilola and other mining companies. We are also pressing for compensation for environmental damages, among other concerns,” he said.
“Our main priority is to prevent the exploitation and injustice of our people. We want our people and our state to truly benefit from their God-given resources,” the Governor concluded.
