Oyo Suspends Traditional Ruler Over Illegal Mining Allegations

The Oyo State Government has officially suspended Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, the Sobaloju of Ofiki, following serious allegations connecting him to illegal mining activities. The suspension, which took effect on Monday, January 5, 2026, stems from reported breaches of Executive Order 001/2023—a landmark directive issued by Governor Seyi Makinde to protect host communities and regulate the state’s mineral resources. Authorities say the move is a precautionary measure to safeguard government-gazetted assets while a comprehensive investigation into the monarch’s conduct is carried out.

Official correspondence from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters indicates that Chief Sobaloju allegedly overstepped his traditional bounds by issuing unauthorized consent letters to mining firms. The state government accused the monarch of facilitating illegal encroachments into government-reserved forests and permitting extraction activities without the necessary legal framework. These actions are viewed as a direct violation of forest reserve regulations and the state’s broader environmental protection strategy.

In a letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olajire A.M., the Chief was ordered to immediately vacate his position at the palace of the Onitọ of Ito. The ministry emphasized that the suspension is necessary to ensure an unhindered and credible inquiry, preventing any potential interference with investigators or the tampering of evidence. Under the current enforcement drive, Chief Sobaloju has been barred from engaging in any mining-related activities or issuing further community consent documents to third-party operators.

The suspension highlights Governor Makinde’s intensified crackdown on “mineral racketeering,” which has recently been linked to rising insecurity and land degradation in the Atisbo Local Government Area. Government officials reaffirmed that while the mining sector remains on the federal exclusive list, the state maintains strict oversight of land use and community development agreements. The administration warned that traditional leaders are expected to be the first line of defense against illegal exploitation, not facilitators of unauthorized trespassing on state-owned land.

As the investigation unfolds, the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency has been tasked with auditing all active mining sites in the Ofiki axis to determine the full extent of the environmental and economic damage. The state government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for infractions, warning that any individual found culpable—regardless of their status or traditional title—will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. For now, the people of Ofiki wait for the investigative team to determine whether the Sobaloju’s exit will be permanent or temporary.