The Oyo State government has suspended a traditional ruler, the Sobaloju of Ofiki in Atisbo Local Government Area, Jacob Adefabi, over allegations of illegal mining in his community.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the governor on Print Media, Mr. Moses Alao, Adefabi’s suspension comes after he was accused of breaching the state’s Executive Order 001/2023 and encouraging trespassing on government-owned assets.
The order regulates mining activities within the state.
Adefabi allegedly violated the order by issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, allowing mining in the state government’s reserved forest, and facilitating unauthorised operations.
The statement emphasized that the action aims to protect both the community and the state’s interests.
A letter from the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, A.M. Olajire, confirmed that the monarch has been suspended from the palace of the Onito of Ito with effect from January 5.
The suspension is pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
The letter further instructed the chief to refrain from all mining-related activities, avoid interfering with the probe, and make himself available for inquiries by the investigating team.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State government has also stepped up measures to halt illegal mining in Ado-Odo, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the state’s agricultural lands.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, told Vanguard that safeguarding farmlands is a top priority.
Reacting to allegations of illegal mining by a firm in Iloro I, Iloro II, and Ibiri villages in Ado-Odo, he said the government has ordered the immediate cessation of the unauthorised activities.
Owootomo explained, “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.”
