The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, in Atisbo Local Government Area for allegedly violating Executive Order 001/2023 and encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.
The suspension was announced in a letter titled, “Re: Complaint Against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for Violation of State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and Encouraging Trespassing of Government Gazetted Assets,” signed by Olajire A.M., Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
A statement released on Tuesday by the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Print Media, Moses Alao, in Ibadan, said the action was taken to protect the interests of the state and its people.
The government accused Sobaloju of issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in government-reserved forests, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.
READ ALSO: Uneasy calm as coalition of traders suspends Iyaloja-General of Ibadanland
The letter stated that the suspension, effective Monday, January 5, 2026, is a precautionary measure pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.
It also directed the embattled chief to refrain from all mining-related activities, including issuing consent letters, to avoid interfering with the investigation, and to make himself available for questioning by the investigative team.