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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has assured the state and federal government of its cooperation in their efforts to control mining activities in the state.
The Obas and Chiefs gave the assurance on Tuesday, during a condolence visit to Governor Seyi Makinde, over last week’s explosion at Bodija, Ibadan.
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, said they have all resolved to implement the recent executive order on mining.
He added that they were also committed to supporting the government through intelligence gathering in order to secure their domains, adding that they are doing everything to prevent a recurrence of last week’s incident.
The traditional rulers lauded Makinde over how the he attended to the incident and declared their support for the soon-to-be-unveiled efforts of the government to address security lapses as well as measures to control illegal mining activities in the state.
Oba Alao also urged residents of the state to support the state government by promptly feeding traditional rulers and security agencies with information on threats to the environment and livelihood of residents of the state.
The traditional rulers present during the visit were the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, represented by Oba Tajudeen Abimbola; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi; Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Akinade Ayoola.
Others are Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; Iba of Kisi, Oba Aweda Lawal; Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; Akinbio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Oyeniyi; Onilala of Lanlate, Oba Sunday Oladejo