The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has pledged to defend his people against any form of invasion into the gold-rich areas of Ijesaland during his reign.
Expressing concern over the harmful activities of illegal miners, the monarch decried the environmental degradation being inflicted on the land.
Speaking at the unveiling of a documentary titled ‘Value-Creating Best Mining Practice and World-Class Environmental Stewardship’, which highlights the current state of mining in Ijesaland, Owa Haastrup emphasized the courage and peaceful disposition of the Ijesa people.
According to him, “The issue of gold mining has been an area of interest to me for the past 10 years. The cogent thing that I see is that some speakers have enumerated, gold mining is a heavy investment, and we need a coalition of investors first; it must be local before you can get international investors.”
He added “There are a lot of studies that have to be supported by some international analysts from Canada, South Africa and Australia. This is very expensive, but we must first start with a local consultant, and you let them guide you. Truly, Ijesa has a lot of potential in gold to tap into.”
“Precisely, Ijesa hold is 24 karat, it is true, that a lot of illegal miners have messed up many areas. I am also aware that we have security issues where illegal miners threaten our communities. I must say that Ijesa people are not cowards; we are just allowing peace, but let me tell you that during my reign we would resist invaders in our gold-rich areas.
He further emphasized the need to create an enabling environment for proper exploration and mining of the region’s resources.
“It requires a lot of investment, it is not millions but billions, and that is why it needs collaborative efforts by our well-to-do business people scattered all over the country. So I plead with all and sundry to get international recognition, and once we cross that line, the sky is the limit.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Coronation Media Committee, Chief Shola Oshunkeye, noted that the unveiling was part of activities lined up for the Friday coronation of Oba Haastrup as the 41st Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
— Vanguard
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