Oyo Government Suspends Monarch Over Alleged Illegal Mining

The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki in Atisbo Local Government Area, Oba Jacob Adefabi, over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities within his domain.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Print Media, Mr Moses Alao, said the monarch was sanctioned for allegedly violating Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining activities across the state, and for encouraging encroachment on government-designated assets.

According to the government, Oba Adefabi was accused of issuing consent letters to mining firms without proper authorisation, thereby permitting mining operations in a state-reserved forest and facilitating unauthorised extraction activities. The action, the statement noted, was taken in the interest of protecting both the host community and state resources.

A letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, A.M. Olajire, confirmed that the monarch was suspended from office with effect from January 5, pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations. The suspension was described as a precautionary step to ensure a transparent and unhindered probe.

The state government further directed the suspended monarch to desist from all mining-related activities, avoid interference with the investigation, and make himself available to the investigative panel when required.

Ogun Government Moves Against Illegal Mining in Ado-Odo

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has ordered an immediate stop to illegal mining activities in parts of Ado-Odo, reaffirming its commitment to protecting farmlands and preserving them strictly for agricultural use.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owootomo, said the state would not tolerate encroachment on agricultural land, stressing that safeguarding farmlands remains a top priority in line with the government’s food security agenda.

Reacting to allegations of unauthorised mining in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri communities, Owootomo said the state government did not grant approval for any mining operations in the affected areas. He explained that swift action was taken once the activities came to the attention of authorities.

According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security engaged the company involved, which acknowledged the concerns and agreed to immediately suspend operations. He added that the agreement has been formally documented through written communication to ensure full compliance.