The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, in the Atisbo Local Government Area of the state for allegedly violating the state’s Executive Order 001/2023.
He was also suspended for encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.
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,” was signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olajire A.M.
A statement released by the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Print Media, Moses Alao, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, noted that the decision was taken to protect the interest of the state and its people.
The government further accused him (Sobaloju) of violating the said order as well as allegedly issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in the State Government’s reserved forest, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.
The letter indicated that Sobaloju has been suspended from the Palace of the Onito of Ito, effective Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations. It added that his suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
The letter said, “I am directed to refer to the above subject (“Re: Complaint Against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for Violation of State Exectuive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and Encouraging Trespassing of Government Gazetted Assets” ) 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 the issuance of consent letters to miners, to refrain from interfering with the investigation into the allegations against him, and to make himself available for questioning as required by the investigating team.
(Punch)
