Babatope Okeowo 
The traditional ruler of Imoru in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Charles Basorun has raised the alarm over activities of illegal miners in his community.
Basorun, the Oloja of Imoru is seeking the intervention of the Federal Government before the community and other towns around them is turned into battlefields.
It would be recalled that a youth leader was killed in the Leege community, Odigbo Local Government Area, causing widespread unrest across the state.
Similarly, illegal mining activities have been on the rise nationwide, fueling unrest in mineralrich communities. These areas have witnessed a surge in kidnappings and killings, affecting both locals and foreigners.
The traditional ruler said the state was endowed with mineral resources, including crude oil, bitumen, and gold.
He, however, said illegal mining activities in the state have continued to increase, and communities with mineral deposits face daily challenges.
The Oloja of Imoru called on the Federal Government and the state government to intervene in the panic caused by the presence of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel.
The traditional ruler had earlier written to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, urging an investigation into the license presented by Royalhood Diadem Limited, which both he and the Imoru commission have described as fake.
Speaking on the matter, the traditional ruler stated that the license presented by Royalhood Diadem Limited, allegedly granted on November 15, 2024 and set to expire on November 14, 2027, was fake.
