The Oyo State Government has suspended Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, the Sobaloju of Ofiki, over his alleged involvement in illegal mining within the Atisbo Local Government Area. The suspension, effective immediately, follows claims that the monarch violated Executive Order 001/2023 by facilitating unauthorized mining and trespassing on government-gazetted lands.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Moses Alao, Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, confirmed that the order was designed to regulate the state’s mining sector and protect public assets.
Chief Sobaloju faces allegations of violating Executive Order 001/2023 by facilitating unauthorized mining operations and granting illegal consent letters to mining companies. The monarch is further accused of permitting excavation within government-reserved forests, a direct breach of state environmental protections.
In an official letter, A.M. Olajire, Director of Chieftaincy Matters, confirmed that Sobaloju was suspended from the palace of the Onitọ of Ito, effective January 5, 2026. This precautionary measure aims to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Consequently, the government has ordered the embattled chief to desist from all mining-related activities and cooperate fully with the investigating team.
