Oyo govt suspends monarch over alleged illegal mining

The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, for allegedly breaching Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining activities in the state, and for reportedly encouraging trespassing on government-owned assets.

The government said the suspension aims to safeguard the interests of Oyo State and its people.

According to a letter from Mr. Olajire A.M., Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Sobaloju allegedly issued consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation.

He is also accused of allowing mining operations in state-reserved forests and facilitating other unauthorised mining activities.

The letter indicated that Chief Sobaloju has been suspended from the palace of the Onito of Ito effective from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the outcome of investigation into the allegations, adding that his suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the investigation.

The letter, entitled “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Exectuive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” reads in part: “I am directed to refer to the above subject and inform you that you have been accused of violating the State Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining activities in Oyo State, and of encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.

“The allegations include issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in state government Reserves Forest, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.”

It directed the embattled Chief to refrain from all activities related to mining and issuance of consent letters to miners, refrain from interfering with the investigation into the allegations against him and to make himself available for questioning as required by the investigating team.

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