By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
SAF Properties & Investment has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, job creation, and long-term socio-economic benefits for the Ado-Odo community in Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, Ogun State.
The reaffirmation came on the heels of concerns being expressed by residents of some villages in Ado/Odo/Ota.
The Daily Crucible reports that an advocacy group – the Ibile Justice Forum – had on January 6, 2026 raised the alarm over akleged illegal mining activities in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri village, all within Ado-Odo community, in Ogun State.
The Forum in a joint statement by Comrade Ifeoluwa Amoo and Comrade Ganiu Owolabi, accused SAF Properties & Investment Company Limited of being behind the alleged illegal mining.
The Forum claimed that the firm was engaging in mining in a farm settlement dedicated to agricultural development, thereby disrupting the people’s means of livelihoods and agrarian life.
“We are constrained to speak against the deliberate actions of a company whose actions and inactions are rendering our community prostrate, economically disadvantaged, environmentally unsafe with other clear and present dangers staring us in the face.
“We are talking about a situation where our collective patrimony is being arbitrarily exploited by a company to the detriment of the community whose livelihoods have not only been hijacked but left in ruins and destruction as a result of the mining activities being perpetuated within their community.
“We are even more worried that the mining activities are being aided and abetted by the so-called traditional institutions which ordinarily is supposed to be the custodian of the mores and customs of the community, all for their own selfish aggrandizement and craze for the filthy lucre.
“That these illegal mining activities are happening at this time, the federal government is trying to harness and ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s natural endowments, is also a clear affront on the powers and authorities of the federal government by an unknown entity in law and should not be allowed to stand,” the Forum had stated.
However, at a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday at the Ado-Odo Town Hall, the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Safiriyu Adebanjo Kazeem, allayed the fears of the residents, assuring that SAF’s operations would prioritize responsible investment and community welfare, rather than mere resource extraction.
He categorically stated that the company is not engaged in any form of illegal mining and that all necessary government approvals and documents have been fully acquired to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
The gathering brought together a diverse group of attendees, including community leaders, high chiefs, elders-in-council, the Chief Imam, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), leaders of traditional worshippers, youth representatives, and other key stakeholders.
Kazeem emphasized that SAF Properties & Investment aims to establish a sustainable business model with lasting positive impact.
Key initiatives include reclaiming mined land for agricultural purposes specifically cultivating plantain, which will be processed into plantain chips and flour, thereby generating employment for local residents.
Additionally, the company plans to offer skill acquisition training for youths, both male and female, in high-demand, marketable skills that can provide sustainable income opportunities both locally and internationally.
“As the Chairman of SAF Properties & Investment, I want to allay the fears of those who believe our presence in Ado-Odo will mirror that of previous companies that abandoned projects. SAF is here with a difference,” Kazeem stated.
In response, Elder Olusegun Aina, President of the Ado-Odo Club and Chief Coordinator of Ado-Odo Professionals, announced that the community has decided to form a committee to thoroughly review SAF’s proposal. This aligns with directives from the Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Idris Osolo (Otenibotemole II).
Aina noted that the committee would carefully examine issues related to environmental impact and community welfare before presenting findings to the monarch for a final decision.
He welcomed further engagements suggested by the SAF chairman and expressed openness to necessary adjustments, adding that the community is not objecting to discussions.
He assured that the community’s youths would remain peaceful and respect the monarch’s ultimate authority.
“We have spoken to our youths, and violence will not occur. We respect the decision of our Kabiyesi, who is our number one citizen.”
