Oyo State government, on Saturday, stated that it is ready to takeover suspected Chinese illegal mining factory at Idi Ayunre, Oluyole local government, along Ibadan-Ogun Expressway.
Governor Seyi Makinde stated this during a visit to the site.
The governor noted that the Chinese Company was registered by the federal government for car tyre recycling and battery crushing, but was suspected to have been dealing in Lithium production.
Governor Makinde said such an act violates the recently signed executive order against handling of harmful substances and illegal mining in the state.
The governor added that the workers caught on site have been taken to the police custody while investigations continue.
Makinde maintained that though the government wants business to thrive in the state but local laws and regulations must be obeyed.
“Well, you can see that what is going on here is still the same problem – the illegal mining activities and the folks are even getting bolder.
“This place, according to records available to us, was meant to be a yard for recycled tyres and batteries. But coming in here, you can see there is no single battery or tyre here. They are crushing lithium here and they had support from all over.
“We need to get to the bottom of this but, in the main time, this facility will be taken over by the government of Oyo State,” Makinde stated.
