Oyo State Suspends the Sobaloju of Ofiki Over Illegal Mining Allegations and Issuance of Consent Letters without Authorizations
Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, the Sobaloju of Ofiki in Oyo State, has just been suspended by the State Government over illegal mining allegations in Oyo State. Several reports have claimed to link him to unauthorized mining activities. The government said the action was taken to protect public interest and safeguard government-gazetted assets within the state.
In a suspension letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the monarch was accused of violating Executive Order 001 of 2023, which regulates mining operations in Oyo State. According to the letter, the Sobaloju of Ofiki allegedly issued consent letters to mining firms without lawful authorization.
The letter further alleged that Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki permitted mining activities within government-reserved forest areas and facilitated unauthorized mining operations. The state government noted that these actions are in clear violation of existing forest reserve regulations and other relevant laws.
With that effect, the Sobaloju of Ofiki, who was accused of illegal mining, has been suspended from the palace of the Onitọ of Ito with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the outcome of investigations. The suspension was described as a precautionary step to allow an unhindered and credible investigation process.
Furthermore, 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” said the allegations bordered on unlawful encroachment on state-owned assets.
The suspended monarch was directed to immediately cease all mining-related activities, including the issuance of consent letters that was deemed illegal without proper authorizations.
The Sobaloju of Ofiki was also advised to avoid any form of interference with the ongoing investigation and make himself available to investigators whenever required.
The Oyo State Government reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and warned that anyone found culpable would be sanctioned according to the law.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
