By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, for allegedly violating the state’s Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining activities in the state and for encouraging trespass on government’s gazetted assets.
The government noted that the decision was taken to protect the interest of the State and its people.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Print Media) to the State Governor, Moses Alao, on Tuesday, Chief Sobaloju, according to a letter signed by the Director, Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olajire A. M., was accused of violating the said order as well as allegedly issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in state government’s reserved forest and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.
The letter stated that Chief Sobaloju had been suspended from the palace of the Onito of Ito effective Monday, 5 January, 2026, pending the outcome of investigation into the allegations, adding that his suspension was a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
The letter, entitled ‘Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Exectuive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets’, read in part: “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 of encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.
“The allegations include issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in State Government Reserves Forest, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.”
It directed the embattled chief to refrain from all activities related to mining and issuance of consent letters to miners, refrain from interfering with the investigation into the allegations against him and to make himself available for questioning as required by the investigating team.
In an associated development, the State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday, announced a cabinet reshuffle.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Gov. Makinde has relieved the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo, of her appointment with immediate effect.
Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde has been appointed the new SSG.
The statement added that Barrister Temilolu Seun Ashamu had been moved from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Also, Gov. Makinde announced his Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, Ademola Aderinto, as a Commissioner-designate. He will consequently be presented to the state House of Assembly for screening.
The statement also announced the appointment of Honourable Abiodun Adedoja as Special Adviser on Energy Security and Kolawole Elijah Akanmu as Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
