The Ogun State House of Assembly has issued a warrant compelling the attendance of the Managing Director of Ojibas Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Abioye, over allegations of illegal mining and environmental degradation raised by host communities in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.
The Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, directed the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lanre Ogunlowo, to execute the warrant and ensure the appearance of the company’s Managing Director before lawmakers to respond to the petition.
The directive followed the adoption of the report presented by the House Committee on Environment, which investigated a petition from the Elegan Progressive Community.
The petition accused Ojibas Nigeria Limited and I.J. Amaka Group of Companies of engaging in illegal mining operations that had caused serious environmental damage, including the destruction of roads, farmlands and water sources.
Elemide, invoking Section 129(1)(d) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), declared:
“By the powers conferred on me under the Constitution, I hereby issue a warrant to compel the attendance of Alhaji Tajudeen Abioye, Managing Director of Ojibas Nigeria Limited. I therefore call on the State Commissioner of Police to execute this warrant as a matter of urgency and public importance, and produce him before this Honourable House to respond to issues arising from a petition under investigation.”
According to the committee’s report, several invitations had been extended to the company’s Managing Director, but he failed to honour them, prompting the Assembly to take the decisive step.
The Speaker reiterated the lawmakers’ resolve to protect citizens against environmental abuse, noting that the Assembly would not tolerate any form of exploitation that endangered human lives or destroyed livelihoods.
Meanwhile, residents of Elegan Progressive Community, led by Pastor Samuel Fadeyinoluwa, staged a peaceful protest to the Assembly complex in Abeokuta.
The protesters, representing affected communities including Abisodun, Adeolu, Oke-Odo, Oluwo Osin, Aiyetoro, Age, Ajerogun and Bisodun, demanded government intervention over the environmental degradation allegedly caused by Ojibas Nigeria Limited.
Speaking on behalf of the Assembly, Elemide assured the protesters that the House Committee on Environment was already handling the matter and promised that appropriate legislative action would be taken to ensure justice and restoration.
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