The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, over alleged breaches of the state’s Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining activities, and claims that he encouraged trespassing on government-designated assets.

Officials said the decision was taken in the interest of protecting the state and its residents.

In a letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olajire A.M., the chief was accused of violating the executive order by allegedly issuing consent letters to mining companies without authorisation. He is also alleged to have permitted mining activities within a state government–reserved forest and facilitated unauthorised mining operations.

The letter stated that Chief Sobaloju has been suspended from the palace of the Onito of Ito with effect from Monday, 5 January 2026, pending the outcome of investigations. Authorities described the suspension as a precautionary measure to safeguard the integrity of the inquiry.

He has been directed to refrain from all mining-related activities, including the issuance of consent letters to miners, and to avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation. The chief has also been instructed to make himself available for questioning when required by the investigating team.