The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki in Atisbo Local Government Area, Oba Jacob Adefabi, over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in his domain.
The suspension was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Moses Alao.
According to the state government, the monarch was suspended for allegedly violating Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining activities in Oyo State, and for encouraging trespass on government-protected assets.
The statement accused the traditional ruler of issuing consent letters to mining companies without approval and allowing mining activities within a government-reserved forest.
It said the actions were taken in the interest of the community and the state.
A letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, A.M. Olajire, stated that the monarch was suspended from the palace of the Onito of Ito with effect from January 5, pending the outcome of investigations.
The letter noted that the suspension was a precautionary step to ensure a fair and unhindered investigation.
The government also directed the suspended monarch to stay away from all mining-related activities, avoid interfering with the investigation, and make himself available to the investigating team when required.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate stoppage of illegal mining activities in parts of Ado-Odo area of the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owootomo, said the state would not allow agricultural land to be taken over for illegal mining, stressing that farmlands must be protected to ensure food security.
Reacting to reports of unauthorised mining by a company in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri villages, Owootomo said the government did not give approval for any mining activity in the area.
He said, “Upon becoming aware of the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security engaged the company directly. The company acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to halt all operations at the site immediately.
“To ensure compliance, formal communication, including a written notice, has been issued to document the agreement.”
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting farmlands across the state and warned against any form of illegal mining activities.
