A wave of unrest has swept through Itasa, a quiet agrarian town in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, as indigenes, traditional authorities, youth groups, and concerned stakeholders have risen in unison to demand the immediate withdrawal of a mining company, Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, from their land. The community has accused the company of operating unlawfully and endangering the lives and livelihoods of residents through unchecked mining activities.
The community, located in the Oke-Ogun axis of the state, has expressed outrage over what they describe as environmental degradation, rising insecurity, and a lack of transparency from the company. During an inspection of the mining site by community leaders and civil rights advocates, the residents voiced their frustration, stating that the company has failed to meet critical legal requirements such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Community Development Agreement (CDA) as mandated by law.
Professor Bayo Aborisade, an esteemed son of Itasa, while addressing journalists at the site, decried the dire consequences of the mining operations on the community. He alleged that the miners have not only devastated the environment but have also introduced non-indigenous settlers who are intimidating locals and restricting access to farmlands. According to him, these individuals, whose language and identity raise security concerns, pose a serious threat to peace and order in the town.
“They have empowered outsiders who now lay claim to our land, harass our people, and even threaten violence if we approach the site,” he said. “They claim they are protected by the Federal Government, yet they operate without proper documentation. There is no EIA, no CDA, and no agreement with the community on how to utilize our land or contribute to our development. This is unacceptable. We want them out.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the Chairman of the Itasa Community Development Association, Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele; youth leader, Mr. Jelili Ogunlade; and another resident, Julius Farounbi, insisted that the company’s presence has brought more harm than good. They lamented the worsening insecurity, which they claim has made farming—a major occupation in the area—nearly impossible.
“We can no longer go to our farms. We feel unsafe. Enough is enough,” they declared, warning that continued neglect of their complaints could trigger unrest.
A legal practitioner and indigene of the town, Femi Aborisade, also joined the chorus of condemnation, labeling the company’s operations as illegal under existing Nigerian mining laws. He emphasized that Architype Industries Nigeria Limited had not fulfilled the statutory conditions required to carry out mining operations.
“There is no Environmental Impact Assessment, no valid Community Development Agreement, and no evidence of community consent as required by law. All these are mandatory before any mining activity can begin. The company has defied both the law and the community’s wishes. Even the local government has asked them to stop operations until a proper agreement is reached,” he explained.
Supporting the community’s position, Hon. Naajeem Busari, the councilor representing Ward 04 in Iwajowa Legislative Council, decried the damage done to local agriculture and the growing tension linked to mining-related activities. He said herdsmen now routinely destroy farms without compensation, adding that the community has seen no meaningful contribution from the mining company since it began operations.
The town’s monarch, the Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, also weighed in on the issue, calling for peace and fairness. While he expressed openness to development, he emphasized that such progress must not come at the expense of the people’s wellbeing or through exploitation.
“We are not against development, but it must be done properly and with respect to the community. If the company continues to ignore due process, then they should leave. If they are willing to do the right thing, then they are welcome,” the monarch stated.
A delegation from the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), led by Mr. Olufola Awoyemi, visited the site and expressed concern over the situation. Awoyemi described what he saw as deeply troubling, noting that what initially appeared to be an environmental issue also involves serious security implications. He stressed that the people of Itasa can no longer carry out their daily activities safely.
“When we arrived, it was clear that the situation is more than environmental injustice. There are serious threats to lives. People are afraid. They can’t farm, they can’t trade. JDPC is taking this matter to a wider audience to raise national and global awareness,” he said.
However, when approached for comments, the Site Manager of Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, Mr. Abiodun Ogunbiyide, maintained that the company had obtained the necessary approvals to operate. He claimed that the firm possesses a valid mining license and land title, and also insisted that the community had consented to their operations. Yet, when pressed, he was unable to provide the legal documents—such as the EIA or CDA—that the community’s legal representatives demanded.
With tensions simmering, the Itasa community continues to appeal to the Federal Government, relevant regulatory agencies, and security authorities to intervene swiftly. Their demand is clear: either the mining company complies fully with all legal and community requirements or vacates the land entirely to restore peace and protect lives in the area.
