The Oyo State Government has wielded the big stick against alleged illegal mining, suspending the Sobaloju of Ofiki in Atisbo Local Government Area, Chief Jacob Adefabi, over activities said to flout state mining regulations.
In a statement released in Ibadan on Tuesday, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Mr Moses Alao, disclosed that the monarch’s suspension followed alleged breaches of the State’s Executive Order 001/2023 and actions said to promote trespass on government-designated assets.
Executive Order 001/2023 serves as the rulebook guiding mining operations across Oyo State.
According to the statement, Chief Adefabi was accused of running afoul of the order by allegedly issuing consent letters to mining firms without due approval, opening the gates of state-reserved forests to miners and allegedly oiling the wheels of unauthorised mining activities.
The government said the suspension was a necessary step to shield the community and safeguard the overall interest of the state.
A letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr A.M. Olajire, confirmed that the traditional ruler had been barred from the palace of the Onito of Ito with effect from January 5, pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations.
The letter noted that the action was purely precautionary, aimed at preserving the credibility and transparency of the probe.
Meanwhile, the state government has ordered the embattled chief to steer clear of all mining-related activities, avoid any attempt to obstruct the investigation, and make himself available to the investigating team as required.
