TUNDE ADELEKE, Osogbo
The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has vowed that the Ijesa people would resist illegal miners during his reign.
Oba Haastrup, who berated the activities of illegal mining, stressed that it has exposed the communities in Ijesa land to environmental pollution.
Speaking at the unveiling of a video documentary on the state of mining in Ijesaland, on Wednesday, themed ‘Value-creating best mining practice and world-class environmental stewardship’, he held that Ijesa people are not cowards but only give peace a chance.
According to him, “The issue of gold mining has been an area of interest to me for the past 10 years. The cogent thing that I see that some speakers have enumerated, gold mining is a heavy investment and we need a coalition of investors first, it must be local before you can get International investors.
“There are a lot of studies that have to be supported by some international analysts from Canada, South Africa and Australia. This is very expensive, but we must first start with a local consultant and you let them guide you truly Ijesa has a lot of potential in gold to tap into.
“Precisely, Ijesa is 24karat, it is true, that a lot of illegal miners have messed up many areas. I am also aware that we have security issues where illegal miners threaten our communities. I must say that Ijesa people are not cowards; we are just allowing peace but let me tell you that during my reign, we would resist invaders in our gold-rich areas.
“It requires a lot of investment, it is not millions but billions and that is why it needs collaborative efforts by our well-to-do business people scattered all over the country. So I plead with all and sundry to get international recognition and once we cross that line, the sky is the limit.”
He, however, advocated for hosting communities to get dividends of mining beyond signing Community Development Agreements and giving stipends to their heads or title owners, but a policy that will ensure that they will continue to benefit as shareholders.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Coronation Media Committee, Shola Oshunkeye, revealed that the activity is part of the lineup for the Friday coronation of Oba Haastrup as 41st Owa Obokun.
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