Illegal Lithium Mining Sparks Protest in Itasa, Oyo State

Residents of Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State have staged a major protest against Architype Industries Nigeria Ltd, accusing the company of illegally mining lithium and other precious minerals on their land.

The protesters, including youths, elders, and the community’s traditional ruler, expressed anger that the company had operated in the area for over two decades without fulfilling legally required obligations or providing any meaningful development to the host community.

The community alleges that the mining activities lack a valid Community Development Agreement (CDA), an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and other statutory clearances required for mineral extraction in Nigeria.

They also blame the operations for environmental degradation, threats to security, and disruption of farming and other livelihoods. Many of the protesters carried placards demanding that the mining firm either comply with the law or vacate their land entirely.

Community leaders said their repeated efforts to engage the company had failed and claimed that the miners were using intimidation and deploying individuals who restrict access to the mining site and threaten locals.

The Onitile of Itasa, the traditional ruler, joined the protest, insisting that the town had not benefited from the operations and calling on the government to intervene.

In response, the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Ajibade, denied accusations of illegal mining and insisted that Architype Industries is duly licensed by the Federal Government.

He stated that the company was open to renegotiating terms with the community, including reviewing the CDA under the supervision of regulatory agencies.

However, residents argue that such promises have been made in the past without meaningful action.

As tensions grow, the Oyo State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining through the newly inaugurated Joint Task Force led by the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency. Under the enforcement of Executive Order 001/2023, mining companies operating without proper community agreements, environmental clearance, or regulatory compliance risk sanctions or shutdown.

Officials say the state will not tolerate violations, even though mining regulation falls under federal jurisdiction.

The Itasa controversy reflects a wider struggle in mineral-rich regions across Nigeria, where communities often feel exploited despite hosting lucrative resources.

With lithium becoming increasingly valuable globally, especially for battery and electric-vehicle production, pressure on these communities is mounting. For Itasa, the outcome of this conflict may determine whether longstanding grievances are finally addressed or whether mining will continue under the same disputed conditions.