The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Sobaloju, over alleged breaches of state mining regulations and unauthorised activities on government-owned land in Atisbo Local Government Area.
The suspension follows accusations that the traditional ruler violated State Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining operations in Oyo State, and allegedly encouraged trespassing on government gazetted assets.
The decision was conveyed in an official letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr A. M. Olajire, who said the action was taken in the interest of the state and its residents.
According to the letter, Chief Sobaloju is accused of issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities within Oyo State Government forest reserves, and facilitating illegal mining operations.
The government said the monarch has been suspended from the palace of the Onito of Ito with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations. The suspension was described as a precautionary step to protect the integrity of the investigative process.
Titled “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” the letter stated:
“I am directed to refer to the above subject and inform you that you have been accused of violating the State Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining activities in Oyo State, and encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.”
It further detailed the allegations as including “issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in Oyo State Government Forest Reserves, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.”
The letter also directed Chief Sobaloju to “refrain from all activities related to mining, including the issuance of consent letters to miners, to desist from interfering with the investigation, and to make himself available for questioning by the investigating team as required.”
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