The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, over alleged involvement in illegal mining and breaches of the state’s mining regulations.
The suspension, which took immediate effect on Monday, January 5, 2026, follows accusations that the monarch violated Executive Order 001/2023—Oyo State’s framework for regulating mining activities—and encouraged trespass on government-gazetted assets.
In a statement, the government said the decision was taken in the public interest to safeguard state assets, particularly forest reserves set aside for conservation.
A letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olajire A.M., accused Chief Sobaloju of issuing consent letters to mining companies without the required authorisation.
The letter further alleged that the traditional ruler allowed mining operations within government-reserved forests and facilitated unauthorised activities in violation of existing laws.
Pending the outcome of investigations, the monarch was directed to vacate the palace of the Onitọ of Ito. The government described the suspension as a precautionary step to preserve the integrity of the probe.
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 that the allegations included unauthorised approvals for miners and permitting mining in protected forest areas.
Chief Sobaloju was also ordered to immediately cease all mining-related activities, including the issuance of consent letters, and warned against interfering with the investigation. He was instructed to make himself available to investigators when required.
The Oyo State Government noted that it has intensified efforts in recent years to tackle illegal mining, especially in forest reserves and rural areas, citing environmental damage, insecurity and revenue losses.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of Executive Order 001/2023, warning that anyone involved in illegal mining—regardless of status—would face appropriate sanctions.
As of the time of filing this report, Chief Sobaloju had not publicly responded to the allegations.
