The Okere of Sakiland, Oba Dr. Surv. Khalid Olabisi Ayinla Ado Oyedepo III, has issued a passionate appeal to Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, urging urgent and decisive action to flush out illegal miners operating across parts of the state.
Speaking on Friday at his Palace immediately after Jumat prayer, the traditional ruler anchored his appeal on recent insecurity and violent incidents in neighbouring Kwara State particularly the massacre in the Kaiama area of Kwara as a cautionary case study of what can unfold when illegal natural resource extraction intersects with weak enforcement and insecurity.
In his address, Oba Oyedepo III described the spate of illegal mining within Oyo State as not merely an environmental or economic issue, but a potential “security tinderbox” that, if not properly managed and regulated, could embolden criminal elements and undermine the peace and stability of communities.
While noting that the tragic attack in Kwara where reports indicate that coordinated armed assailants killed scores of villagers in Woro and Nuku communities was not linked directly to mining operations, the Okere underscored how unmonitored activities around minerals often leave rural spaces vulnerable to exploitation by armed groups and criminal syndicates.
“If a neighbouring community can be overrun by violent actors while its people pursue their livelihoods, how much more vulnerable are our own if we allow illegal miners to operate unfettered across our farmlands and forest reserves?” Oba Oyedepo III stated.
The monarch called on Governor Makinde to emulate, strengthen, and adapt governance approaches similar to those said to have been deployed in parts of Kwara (including emergency security coordination), positioning traditional institutions as key partners in community-based intelligence, monitoring, and enforcement.
During the palace gathering which was attended by chiefs, elders, Islamic clerics, and community representatives the Okere issued stern warnings to several Baales in Saki over alleged misconduct. He named Baale Ayemojuba, Baale Akinbekun, and Baale Orita Orisunbare, saying credible reports of illegal activities had been lodged against them with the palace.
He reminded all traditional titleholders that their authority carries responsibility and that the counsel of the palace would be swift and just in addressing any dereliction of duty or participation in unlawful acts undermining community welfare.
“The era where traditional authority is misused to shield unlawful behaviour is at an end,” Oba Oyedepo III admonished. “We must protect our land, our people, and our reputation as custodians of cultural heritage.” He noted that transparent engagement with government enforcement agencies would be crucial in rooting out bad actors in local leadership.
The gathering also featured a significant show of appreciation for loyal service within the traditional council. His Majesty presented brand-new vehicles to three senior chiefs; High Chief Basapa, High Chief Iba Apefin, and High Chief Lasigbon as part of efforts to enhance the mobility and operational capacity of palace officials in community outreach and development initiatives.
“These vehicles are not just gifts,” the Okere explained. “They represent our shared commitment to service, swift response, and connectivity between the palace and the people. In a time of heightened threats whether environmental, economic, or security-related our chiefs must be equipped to serve effectively.”
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude, pledging to redouble their support for the Okere’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and law-abiding Sakiland.
Oba Oyedepo III concluded his remarks by reiterating his call for collaboration between the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and traditional councils to formulate a comprehensive approach to illegal mining and related criminality.
He proposed joint task forces, strengthened intelligence mechanisms, and community sensitisation programs as part of a holistic strategy to safeguard Oyo State’s natural resources and its citizens.
“The survival of our rural economies and the honour of our heritage depend on our resolve to act wisely and in unity,” he said.
