Illegal Mining: We didn’t give consent to miners, says OAU

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, has denied claims of issuing mining licences for mining activities on the university land.

In a statement on Saturday signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, the management also denied the claim that it has entered into any form of lease and agreement in that respect with illegal miners.

Olarewaju, maintained that the alleged claims by the illegal miners of having the consent of the institution to mining on its land were totally false.

The statement reads in parts: “It has come to the knowledge of the University Administration  that some individuals, groups, and or companies have made the claim that they have licences to carry on mining activities on the University land at Ile-Ife, and that they have the consent of the University,  in the form of leases and  agreements, in that respect.

“While the University has, since becoming aware of the illegal activities of these miners, written a formal complaint to the appropriate government authorities,  it is equally important to inform the general public that the claim of these trespassers are totally false.

“The University  therefore wishes to use  this medium to inform the general public, especially our alumni and other stakeholders, that the University did not give any consent to any individual, group, company or association to obtain any license to carry out mining activities on its land. 

“Furthermore, the University did not, at any time, sign any agreement with any individual, company or group for the purpose of mining activities on its land.

“We wish to assure the concerned members of the University,  stakeholders and members of the general public that the University is taking all lawful steps to stop the activities of these trespassers, which constitute devastating environmental hazard  to the University estate and  are most embarrassing.  

“We have the assurance of the Federal authorities that the complaint of the University is receiving necessary attention.”