Oyo State Suspends Traditional Chief Over Alleged Illegal Mining Activities

The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, for alleged violations of the state’s Executive Order 001/2023 on mining and for encouraging trespassing on government-gazetted assets.

The suspension was announced in a statement on Tuesday by Moses Alao, Special Assistant on Print Media to Governor Seyi Makinde.

According to a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the traditional chief is accused of issuing unauthorized consent letters to mining companies, permitting mining operations inside a state forest reserve, and facilitating illegal mining activities.

Effective January 5, 2026, Chief Sobaloju has been suspended from the Palace of the Onito of Ito pending the outcome of an investigation. The government described the action as a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the probe.

The suspended chief has been directed to cease all mining-related activities, refrain from interfering with the investigation, and make himself available for questioning by authorities.

The state government stated that the suspension was necessary to protect public interest and government assets.