Chief Jacob Sobaloju of Ofiki was suspended by the Oyo State Government due to accusations that he engaged in illicit mining and violated Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining operations in the state. 

According to the state administration, the measure was done to safeguard government-gazetted assets and the public interest. 

In a suspension letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olajire A.M., the traditional ruler was accused of contravening the executive order and forest reserve regulations by allegedly issuing consent letters to mining firms without lawful authorisation.

The letter also claimed that Chief Sobaloju supported illegal mining operations and allowed mining within government-reserved forest areas, both of which were allegedly against current laws and regulations. 

With effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, the monarch was suspended from the Onitlán of Ito palace until investigations were conducted, according to the ministry. 

The suspension was explained as a preventative measure to guarantee an unimpeded and reliable inquiry process.

The correspondence, titled “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” stated that the allegations bordered on violations of Executive Order 001/2023 and unlawful encroachment on state-owned assets.

Additionally, Chief Sobaloju was instructed to immediately stop all mining-related actions, including the issue of consent letters, to refrain from interfering with the inquiry, and to be accessible to investigators whenever needed. 

The Oyo State Government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding illicit mining and related violations, cautioning that anyone found guilty would face legal repercussions.

Source