Oyo State Government has suspended Sobaloju of Ofiki, Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, for allegedly violating the state Executive Order 001/2023 and encouraging encroachment on government gazetted properties.
It said the decision was taken to protect the interests of Oyo State and its people.
According to a letter signed by the Director, Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olajire AM, Sobaloju, a chieftaincy holder was accused of violating the said order as well as allegedly issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, allowing mining activities in the state government reserve forest and facilitating unauthorized mining operations.
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The letter indicated that Sobaloju has been suspended from the palace of Onito, Ito with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the outcome of the investigation into the allegations, adding that his suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
The letter, titled “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violating the State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging encroachment on government gazetted properties,” read in part: “I am directed to refer to the above subject and inform you that you have been accused of violating State Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining activities in Oyo State, and encouraging encroachment on government gazetted properties. Is.
“The allegations include issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, allowing mining activities in state government reserved forests and facilitating unauthorized mining operations.”
It directed the embattled chief to desist from all activities related to mining and issuing consent letters to the miners, to refrain from interfering in the investigation of allegations against him and to make himself available for questioning by the investigating team as required.
