MHR. Omirin Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Mining Activities in Ijesa South

The member representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusanya Emmanuel Omirin, has expressed concern over alleged illegal mining activities in parts of the constituency, saying the development poses a serious threat to local communities and the nation's mineral resources.

Omirin disclosed that he recently visited communities affected by the reported illegal mining following complaints from residents and invitations from traditional rulers to assess the situation firsthand.

The lawmaker was accompanied on the oversight visit by the chairmen of the four local government areas that make up Ijesa South Federal Constituency: Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju Balogun (Ilesa East), Hon. (Princess) Folusho Adekoya (Atakumosa East), Hon. Dare Ajumobi (Atakumosa West), and Hon. Olusegun Olabode, JP (Ilesa West).

According to Omirin, the presence of the council chairmen reflected the shared concern of local government leaders and host communities over activities taking place in the affected areas.

The federal lawmaker, who also serves as a member of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, said the visit formed part of his legislative oversight responsibility to assess the situation and better understand the concerns raised by residents.

He said one of the major issues brought to his attention was the alleged issuance and use of illegal mining tickets, which he claimed were being used to allow individuals to carry out mining operations outside the country's approved regulatory framework.

During the visit, Omirin said he encountered military personnel at one of the mining locations. He alleged that the officers appeared to be providing protection for individuals involved in the issuance of the illegal mining tickets.

The lawmaker said he questioned the presence and role of the military personnel and reminded them that security agencies should not be associated with activities that violate the law.

"My position is simple," Omirin said. "If an activity is illegal, those entrusted with enforcing the law should not become a shield for it."

He also reacted to videos circulating on social media showing part of his encounter at the mining site. According to him, the clips do not present the full context of what transpired and have created a misleading impression of the oversight visit.

Omirin urged Nigerians not to politicise the issue, stressing that illegal mining should be treated as a national concern rather than a partisan matter.

Speaking on the legal process for mining operations, the lawmaker noted that there are established procedures for obtaining licences and approvals to engage in legitimate mining. He maintained that there is no justification for operating outside the law through the use of illegal mining permits.

He called on the relevant authorities to investigate those allegedly involved in illegal mining activities and anyone found to be facilitating such operations.

According to him, the oversight visit was aimed at promoting accountability, protecting host communities, and ensuring the responsible management of Nigeria's mineral resources.

Omirin reaffirmed his commitment to carrying out his constitutional oversight responsibilities, saying the protection of the people and the nation's natural resources must remain above political interests.