The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Oba Jacob Adefabi, over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities within his domain. The suspension follows accusations that the traditional ruler violated existing state laws regulating mining operations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Moses Alao, Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Print Media, said the monarch was suspended for allegedly breaching the state’s Executive Order 001 of 2023. The order prohibits illegal mining and safeguards government-owned and gazetted assets across the state.
According to the statement, Oba Adefabi was also accused of encouraging trespassing on government-controlled assets, actions the state government described as unacceptable and contrary to its commitment to protecting natural resources and maintaining law and order.
The government stressed that the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.
Relevant security and regulatory agencies have also been directed to intensify monitoring of mining activities in the area.
The Oyo State Government warned that it would not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group, regardless of status, found to be involved in illegal mining or acts that undermine the state’s laws and economic interests.