TRADITIONAL RULER IN OYO SUSPENDED OVER ALLEGED UNLAWFUL MINING ACTIVITIES
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Sobaloju, over allegations of involvement in illegal mining activities and violations of Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining operations across the state.
According to the government, the suspension was implemented in the interest of public safety and to safeguard assets officially gazetted by the state.
A suspension letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olajire A.M., accused the traditional ruler of breaching the executive order and forest reserve regulations. The letter alleged that Chief Sobaloju unlawfully issued consent letters to mining companies without the required authorization.
It further claimed that he permitted mining activities within government-designated forest reserves and facilitated unauthorized mining operations, actions described as clear violations of existing laws and regulatory frameworks.
According to the ministry, the monarch was suspended from the palace of the Onitọ of Ito with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations.
The ministry described the suspension as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring a transparent, impartial, and uninterrupted investigative process.
The letter, titled “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” stated that the allegations involved breaches of Executive Order 001/2023 and the unlawful encroachment on state-owned, gazetted assets.
Chief Sobaloju was further instructed to immediately desist from all mining-related activities, including the issuance of consent letters, refrain from interfering with the ongoing investigation, and make himself available to investigators whenever required.
The Oyo State Government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal mining and related violations, warning that any individual found culpable would face sanctions in accordance with the law.
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