Tensions have reached a boiling point in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State following a stern warning issued by High Chief Olatunde David Dare, the Mayegun of Isanlu Land and Akogun of Itakete-Ide, against the Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources over the planned evacuation and sale of the historic Isanlu Water Project facilities.
In a strongly worded release issued on Thursday, the High Chief Olatunde condemned the state government’s decision to classify the multibillion-naira public infrastructure as “verified scrap metals and decommissioned assets,” warning prospective buyers and state officials that the community is prepared to wage a fierce legal battle to preserve its heritage.
The controversy stems from an official approval letter dated September 21, 2026, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources, Alhassan Omakoji. The document, addressed to the Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, authorized a private firm, Gabdire International Nigeria Ltd., to evacuate 16 major structural items from the Isanlu Zone on claims that due diligence and statutory due process had been observed.
Puncturing the state government’s claims, High Chief Olatunde described the move as an insensitive assault on the collective interest and future of the Isanlu people, demanding an immediate suspension of all removal activities.
“I speak as High Chief Olatunde David Dare, the Mayegun of Isanlu Land and the Akogun of Itakete-Ide, and I consider it both a duty and a responsibility to speak whenever the collective interest, heritage, and assets of our people are threatened,” Chief Dare declared. “This is not simply a personal objection; it is a principled demand that government respect the people of Isanlu and protect an asset that was established for their benefit.”
Tracing the historical background of the facility, Chief Olatunde noted that the Isanlu Water Project was constructed in 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Alhaji Adamu Attah to solve the critical water needs of the area. He expressed bitterness that after enduring nearly two decades of severe water scarcity and infrastructure neglect, the community is now watching the government dismantle the remaining infrastructure under the guise of scrap disposal.
“The fact that government has failed to maintain or revive an infrastructure does not give government the moral or public-interest justification to simply dispose of it,” the Chief stated. “Government cannot abandon a public asset, allow it to deteriorate through years of neglect, and then use the consequences of that neglect as the justification for getting rid of the asset.”
Demanding full public disclosure, Chief Dare challenged the Ministry of Water Resources to produce the formal valuation reports, technical assessments establishing that the plant is beyond rehabilitation, public tender notices, and details of where the sale proceeds would be deposited. He insisted that if the current administration lacks the capacity or resources to fix the plant, it must leave the structures intact for future administrations.
Issuing a direct notice to prospective buyers and corporate entities, the High Chief warned that any buyer attempting to move equipment from the site would face immediate litigation, as the community is ready to pursue every administrative, regulatory, and judicial channel to block the deal.
While calling for calm, Chief Dare urged the youths of Isanlu to refrain from violence or civil unrest, emphasizing that the struggle must be fought with lawfulness, restraint, and unity.
“Our water is not scrap. Our assets are not scrap. Our heritage is not scrap. Our future is certainly not scrap,” Chief Dare declared. “Government is temporary. Isanlu is permanent. If you cannot fix our water, leave the infrastructure for us. Do not destroy the possibility that another government will make it work tomorrow.”
As at the time of filing this report, officials of the Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources had not issued an official response to the legal threats and transparency demands raised by the Isanlu leadership.
