The Osun Masterminds, TOM, has flayed the Osun State Government for allegedly prioritising revenue over proper management of the environment around mining sites.
The group also expressed disappointment that the Osun State Government which had accused a gold mining company operating in the state of several infractions is also the entity prioritising earnings over proper management of the environment.
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli who lamented the environmental degradation ongoing in Ijeshaland, charged the Osun State Government to immediately do something about the menace.
Oyedokun-Allo said, “It is also worthy of mention, the ongoing issues in the gold mining sector of the state. It is sad that the State Government has over the years, prioritized revenue over the proper management of the environment around the mining sites.
“It is also sad, that the State Government’s release, where it accused Segilola of several infractions, prioritized earnings over proper management of the environment.
“We are extremely bothered about the environmental degradation ongoing in Ijeshaland and the Osun State Government must immediately do something about this.”
He also charged the State Government to immediately rein in big figures in the society who are known to be involved in gold mining activities in Ijeshaland.
“We cannot continue to pay lip service to the correct management of our environment,” he lamented.
On Thursday, the state government had in a statement demanded the sum of N60 billion as dividends accruing to the state from the Segilola Gold Project.
The state government also raised serious concerns about the operations of the company.
During a press briefing addressed by Lukman Jimoda, Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Mining and Natural Resources and Wale Bolorunduro, Financial Consultant, Ministry of Mining and Natural Resources, it was revealed that investigation pointed to various unethical business practices, including alleged tax evasion, use of proxies, and failure to comply with environmental rules and regulations.
Countering the allegations, Segilola Gold Project dismissed the claims of tax evasion and unethical practices as unfounded.
In a statement issued by the company’s Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, the firm maintained its track record of compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
Menegbo said Segilola has consistently met its tax responsibilities and royalty payments in full and on schedule.
Gold mining: Group accuses Osun Govt of prioritizing revenue over environment
