The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has issued three Executive Orders, establishing two new agencies and imposing restrictions on traditional rulers’ involvement in land and mining agreements.
The newly created agencies are the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and the Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency. The third executive order prohibits traditional rulers from entering into any agreements or Memoranda of Understanding concerning mining activities or other land matters within their domains.
These directives were announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
“The three executive orders take immediate effect,” the statement emphasized.
Governor Abiodun highlighted Ogun State’s abundant mineral resources, stressing the need for responsible and environmentally sustainable exploration.
He explained that the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency would work directly or through qualified third parties to conduct geological surveys and maintain relevant data. The agency aims to strengthen local investor capacity in the solid minerals sector, empower the youth, and organize the sector to benefit the state.
“Ogun state has rich and vast deposits of mineral resources which must be explored responsibly, judiciously, and without detriment to the environmental ecosystem in mining areas,” the governor stated.
The second executive order establishes the Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency, aligning with the administration’s agenda for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
Governor Abiodun noted the state’s ongoing tree planting, landscaping, and beautification programs, which aim to create a flood-free, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Kano Government Once Again Orders Bayero to Vacate Mini Palace
“This greening initiative of the Ogun State Government is therefore conceived not just to beautify the environment but also to mitigate the effects of climate change, save the environment, and protect our future,” Abiodun explained.
The third executive order targets unauthorized mining activities facilitated by traditional rulers. The governor explicitly barred all traditional institutions from entering any land agreements for mining or industrial purposes without government approval. Violators of this order will face sanctions under the Obas and Chiefs Law and other relevant criminal statutes.
“Any Traditional Institution or stakeholder in the Institution who flouts this Order shall be sanctioned,” Abiodun warned. He further stipulated that any individual or organization entering into unauthorized agreements would face legal consequences under Section 61 of the Ogun State Criminal Law 2006.
These measures underscore the administration’s commitment to regulating resource management and environmental sustainability while curbing unauthorized exploitation of state resources.
