Over 24,000 farmers in Ago-Owu, Osun State, are facing the threat of eviction following a state government directive allowing a private company to begin mineral exploration in the area. The farmers are now calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and halt any activities that could disrupt their livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the farm settlers, the president of the Ago-Owu Farmers Association, Adebanji Obembe, raised alarm over a letter issued by the Special Adviser on Mining and Minerals, Lukman Jimoda, which reportedly granted permission for mineral testing within the settlement. According to Obembe, this directive violates an earlier 99-year land use agreement between the farmers and the state government.
“The Ago-Owu of today has expanded from its initial 4,676 hectares to 16,000 hectares, with a population increase from 2,000 to over 24,000 settlers,” Obembe said. “About 70 percent of the population are youth—mostly graduates who turned to agriculture out of necessity—while the rest are retirees who invested their life savings in farming.”
He warned that mining activities could lead to the mass displacement of residents, destruction of farmlands, and increased insecurity as unemployed youths flood urban areas in search of survival.
“Our existence is tied to this land,” Obembe emphasized. “Any disruption could result in untimely deaths and rising crime due to desperation among displaced residents.”
Obembe appealed directly to Governor Adeleke and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, to stop all plans related to mining exploration in Ago-Owu.
In response, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, clarified that no mining operation had been approved yet. He explained that the company in question had only expressed interest in conducting preliminary tests to determine mineral presence in a portion of the land.
“If farmers observe any mining attempt, they should report it immediately,” Alimi stated. “We’re still at the testing stage, and no excavation has begun.”
He assured the settlers that the state government remains committed to protecting their rights and honoring existing agreements. Alimi also noted that in the event that viable mineral resources are discovered and mining eventually proceeds, affected farmers would receive adequate compensation.
“The government has not authorized any activity that would disregard agreements or displace citizens without due process,” he added. “We encourage the farmers to remain calm while discussions continue.”
The situation has sparked concerns over balancing economic development with social stability, as Osun’s agrarian communities wait anxiously for a resolution.
