Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has assured farmers across the state that there are no plans to displace them in favour of mining operations.
He said this in a statement issued by the his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed following concerns raised by residents over the presence of state officials on farmlands.
Adeleke clarified that the activities observed on some farms were related to a comprehensive solid minerals mapping project, not preparations for mining.
“The presence of officials on farmland is due to an ongoing state-wide survey by the Osun Solid Minerals Office. This includes soil testing and resource assessment, aimed at evaluating the state’s untapped and existing mineral assets,” he said.
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Governor Adeleke emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader effort to catalogue the state’s natural resources and plan for sustainable development.
He assured residents that no mining licence had been granted in the areas where concerns have been raised, and there was no intention to disrupt agricultural activities.
“Our administration deeply values the contributions of farmers. There is no agenda—direct or indirect—to evict them. We urge all residents, especially those in the farming communities, to cooperate with officials conducting the survey,” the governor said.
He called for calm and encouraged farmers to continue their activities without fear, affirming that no development plan under his leadership would harm the livelihood of citizens.
The governor’s reassurance follows rising anxiety in some rural areas, where farmers mistook the mapping activities for preliminary steps toward mining operations.
