The Chairman, Saki West Local Government area of Oyo State, Engr. Sarafadeen Ahmed Omirinde, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers within the local government area to stay away from involving in illegal mining.
The warning was delivered by the council boss during an extensive security meeting convened at the palace of the Okere of Saki, which had traditional council members, security agencies, and prominent stakeholders in attendance.
Hon. Omirinde, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of ALGON in the state, emphasized that the traditional rulers must not prioritize monetary gains from illegal mining activities, stressing that the state government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, will take decisive action against any traditional ruler found complicit in such activities regardless of his status.
This directive followed a recent meeting between the state government and local government chairmen, where directives were issued for similar warnings to be conveyed to traditional chiefs.
Omirinde urged them to engage only with government miners, highlighting the benefits of such collaboration, including access to essential amenities like schools, health facilities, electricity, and clean water.
Coroborating the Chairman’s warning, the Okere of Saki, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Surv. Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, stressed the importance of obtaining the paramount ruler’s approval before allowing any mining activities within their domains.
Oba Oyedepo urged chiefs to promptly report any illegal mining activities to the appropriate authorities.
Security agencies present at the meeting, included the Commanding Officer of the 244 RECCE Battalion, police Area Commander, DPO, Civil Defence, immigration service, customs, DSS, and Amotekun, all who assured the community of their unwavering commitment to providing adequate security. They also warned miscreants to desist from unlawful activities.
In another development, Alhaji Sulaiman Lawal Oroyinyin, Chairman of the Saki Muslim Community and a retired commissioner of police, advised traditional rulers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals within their domains.
In his response, the Head of local guard in the council area, Pa Samson Ojuawo, commended the proactive efforts of the Police Force and security agencies. He urged traditional rulers to remain loyal to the paramount ruler and assured them of government support for the local guards.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Chief Jimoh Babalola, Baale Sepeteri of Saki, pledged their cooperation with the directives and expressed gratitude to government and the Okere of Saki for their decisive actions.
The meeting was attended by Alhaji Tajudeen Olanrewaju Head of Local Government Administration, and various stakeholders, who promised to combat illegal activities within the LG.
