The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has denied allegations that it granted permissions to some illegal miners in Ile-Ife, Osun state.
The public relations officer of OAU, Abiodun Olarewaju stated this in a statement on Saturday, March 23.
The statement disclosed that the university had filed a formal complaint with the appropriate government authorities upon discovering the illicit mining activities. It was “crucial to inform the public that the claims made by these trespassers are entirely false.”
“The university wants to make it clear to the public, especially our alumni and stakeholders, that no consent was granted to any individual, group, company, or association to obtain a licence for mining activities on the university’s land,” said Olarewaju.
Speaking further, Olarewaju said; “We are dedicated to protecting our land and have initiated legal proceedings to cease these unauthorised actions.”
The statement reassured OAU’s alumni, stakeholders, and the general public of the university’s commitment to exploring all legal avenues to stop the operations of the alleged illegal miners.
“These actions not only pose a severe environmental threat to the university’s property but also bring about significant embarrassment.
“We have been given assurance by the Federal authorities that the university’s complaint is receiving the requisite attention.
“Immediate attention and decisive actions from all pertinent parties involved in the OAU crisis are pivotal. We insist that the university administration prioritise the security and welfare of the student body by promptly halting these illegal activities and ensuring accountability for those responsible,” the statement added.
