Oyo govt probes monarchs, firms over illegal mining

A traditional ruler, two Baales (community heads), and two mining companies are under investigation concerning their involvement in illegal mining in some parts of Oyo State. Although the names and identities of those under investigation could not be confirmed as of press time, it was gathered that a monarch in Ido Local Government Area of […]

A traditional ruler, two Baales (community heads), and two mining companies are under investigation concerning their involvement in illegal mining in some parts of Oyo State.

Although the names and identities of those under investigation could not be confirmed as of press time, it was gathered that a monarch in Ido Local Government Area of the state, who was suspended recently, is among them. 

The Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMDA), Abiodun Oni, made this known after conducting an on-the-spot assessment visit to the controversial illegal mining site at Odo Ogun village in Ido Local Government, Ibadan.

He said the outcome of the ongoing investigation would determine if the government would either prosecute or let the suspected individuals go.

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Oni urged village heads, hunters, farmers and other residents to report suspicious mining in their localities to the government through the agency.