The Oyo State government has suspended Jacob Adefabi, the sobaloju of Ofiki, in Atisbo LGA, over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities within the community.
Moses Alao, special assistant to the governor on print media, announced the suspension in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Alao said the action followed alleged violations of the state’s executive order 001/2023 and accusations of encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.
Executive order 001/2023 regulates mining activities across Oyo state.
The government accused Adefabi of breaching the order by allegedly issuing consent letters to mining companies without authorisation.
He was further accused of permitting mining activities within state government reserved forests.
The statement also alleged that the traditional ruler facilitated unauthorised mining operations in the area.
The government said the decision was taken to safeguard the community and protect the interests of the state.
A letter signed by A.M. Olajire, director, chieftaincy matters in the ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters, confirmed the suspension.
Olajire said Adefabi had been suspended from the palace of the onito of Ito with effect from January 5.
The letter stated that the suspension would remain in force pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations.
The ministry said the suspension was imposed as a precautionary step to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
The state government directed the suspended chief to refrain from all mining-related activities.
He was also warned not to interfere with the ongoing investigation and to make himself available to the investigative team when required.