RismadarVoice Reporters
January 6, 2026
Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, in Atisbo Local Government Area of the state, over alleged violation of the state’s Executive Order 001/2023 and for allegedly encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.
The suspension was conveyed in a 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,” signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olajire A.M.
A statement released on Tuesday in Ibadan by the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Print Media, Mr. Moses Alao, said the decision was taken in the interest of the state and its people.
According to the statement, the monarch was accused of violating the executive order, regulating mining activities in the state, as well as allegedly issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorization.
The government further alleged that the Sobaloju permitted mining activities within state government reserved forests and facilitated unauthorized mining operations.
The suspension letter indicated that Chief Sobaloju has been barred from the Palace of the Onito of Ito with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.
It added that the suspension was a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the integrity of the investigation.
The letter partly read, “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 Reserved Forests, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.”
The embattled monarch was directed to immediately refrain from all activities related to mining and the issuance of consent letters to miners.
He was also warned against interfering with the investigation and instructed to make himself available for questioning as required by the investigative team.
The state government reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations governing mining activities and protecting government assets from illegal exploitation.
