●Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe Leads Call for Justice, Safety Reforms After Fatal Blast
Tension has gripped Orisunmibare community in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State following the death of a 25-year-old man, Abiodun Alarape, in a quarry explosion allegedly carried out by Sequoia Mining Company Limited, a Chinese-owned firm operating near Akilapa, beside Rochas School, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The explosion, which occurred two weeks ago, has triggered widespread outrage among residents, who accused the mining firm of reckless operations and repeated disregard for human safety and environmental regulations. Locals claim that the company’s frequent blasting activities have caused massive structural damage to homes, exposing residents to danger and health hazards.
Eyewitnesses said that Alarape, who worked at a nearby factory, was struck by flying rocks from the quarry’s blast and died instantly. His tragic death, residents said, was avoidable and has reignited years of resentment against the company’s operations in the area.
On Monday, angry protesters took to the streets and barricaded the entrance to the quarry, holding placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the killing,” “No more blasting,” “We are not slaves,” and “Quarry must go.” They demanded the immediate closure and removal of Sequoia Mining from the community.
Speaking during the protest, the Coordinator of the Orisunmibare Community Development Forum, Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, described the situation as intolerable, lamenting that “every blast shakes the ground like an earthquake.”
“Just last week, a flying rock from their operation killed a young man instantly. Our houses are cracking, roofs are collapsing, and people are living in fear,” Akinyemi said.
He noted that several petitions had been sent to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Oyo State Government, but no meaningful action had been taken. “In this same area, the Oyo State Government’s Ladoja Estate project is ongoing. If a government worker had been affected, they would have acted fast. We are saying enough is enough—this quarry must go,” he added.
Another resident, Mr. Abiodun Akanji, condemned the company for resuming operations just a day after the fatal explosion. “My house has been damaged three times by their blasting. Even after the young man died, they resumed work the next day. That shows total disrespect for human life,” he said.
Mrs. Olufadeke Akinyemi, another resident, emphasized that the protest was not about financial compensation but about safety. “We’re not asking for money; we want to protect our families. Our homes are collapsing, and our children are in danger. The government must act before another tragedy happens,” she said.
Officials of NESREA have since visited the site. The Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer for the Oyo State Field Office, Mrs. Mojisola Adeoye, who represented the State Coordinator, Mr. Toyin Obagiri, confirmed that the agency had issued a stop-work order to Sequoia Mining pending the outcome of an investigation. “We received a report of a fatal blast and immediately ordered the company to halt operations, which they have complied with. We are here to meet all parties and begin a full investigation,” Adeoye stated.
Responding to the incident, Sequoia Mining’s Administrative Officer, Mr. Akinola Sanusi, described the explosion as unfortunate and expressed condolences to the deceased’s family. “It was a tragic accident, and we sympathise with the family of the late Abiodun Alarape. Although he wasn’t a community resident, we will ensure the right steps are taken,” he said. Sanusi, however, denied allegations of widespread damage to properties, insisting that “only one building was affected in the past, and inspectors found it was constructed with substandard materials.”
A workers’ union leader in the factory where the deceased was employed, Mr. Oluwagbemiga Ariyo Oyeleke, confirmed that the quarry company had reached a settlement agreement with the victim’s family.
Meanwhile, the member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has condemned the explosion and vowed to ensure justice for the deceased and lasting safety reforms in the area.
In a statement on Tuesday, Akande-Sadipe described the incident as “a tragic and avoidable death caused by corporate negligence,” adding that she had directed her legislative team to meet with both the residents and the management of Sequoia Mining Company. “These senseless deaths must stop. The companies operating in Oluyole must adopt strict safety standards or face closure,” she said.
She expressed solidarity with the protesting youths and residents, assuring them that she would use her position in the National Assembly to ensure regulatory action against erring mining companies. “I am not happy with what is happening in my constituency. Lives are being lost because of irresponsible practices. We will not rest until safety and accountability are restored,” she stated.
Akande-Sadipe, who chairs the House Committee on Humanitarian Services, also lamented the damage caused by heavy-duty trucks and quarrying activities to the roads and environment in Oluyole. She urged both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to ensure that mining companies fulfill their corporate social responsibilities and repair affected infrastructure.
“I appeal for calm among the residents while we press for justice through appropriate channels. The government cannot continue to turn a blind eye while lives are lost and communities destroyed,” she added.
As of press time, Sequoia Mining remains under investigation by NESREA, while the Orisunmibare community insists on the permanent closure of the quarry, saying it remains a grave threat to lives and property.
