Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Oyo State Government has taken decisive action by suspending Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju of Ofiki in Atisbo Local Government Area, following serious allegations linking him to illegal mining activities and breaches of state mining regulations. The suspension, announced on January 6, 2026, underscores the administration’s intensifying efforts to enforce compliance with the state’s legal framework governing mining operations and to protect public resources and environmental integrity.
In a formal letter dated January 5, 2026 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. A.M. Olajire, Chief Sobaloju was accused of multiple counts of misconduct tied to unauthorised mining activities. The letter alleges that he issued consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, effectively permitting mining operations in areas designated as state government reserved forests. It further claims that he facilitated unauthorised mining operations and encouraged trespassing on government-gazetted assets, in violation of Oyo State’s Executive Order 001/2023, which regulates mining activities across the state.
The government emphasised that the suspension is a precautionary step intended to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing investigation. It directs the embattled traditional ruler to refrain from all mining-related activities, including the issuance of consent letters, and to avoid interfering with the investigative process while making himself fully available to authorities when required. Chief Sobaloju’s temporary removal from the palace of the Onito of Ito will remain in effect pending the outcome of the probe.
Officials have underlined that Oyo State is committed to a zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining, which has emerged as a significant governance and environmental concern in recent years. Executive Order 001/2023 was introduced to streamline mining activities within the state, protect natural resources, and ensure that mining operations are conducted responsibly and transparently. The order mandates strict compliance with legal protocols and requires consent and development agreements between mining operators and host communities as stipulated under the Nigerian Mining Act.
The decision to suspend Chief Sobaloju aligns with a broader crackdown on unlawful mining practices by the state government. Over the past year, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has intensified enforcement of mining regulations, including the establishment of a Multi-Agency Joint Task Force on Illegal Mining. This task force, comprising security agencies and state authorities, aims to curb unauthorised extraction activities, protect host communities, and support sustainable resource management throughout Oyo State.
Environmental advocates and legal experts have noted that illegal mining contributes to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and local livelihoods. In response, Oyo State’s policy measures have sought not only to enforce existing laws but also to educate communities and traditional institutions about the importance of compliance in securing responsible investment and ecological sustainability.
The suspension of a traditional ruler — who holds significant influence within the local community — highlights the government’s willingness to hold all stakeholders accountable regardless of status. While traditional leaders often play crucial roles in community development and conflict resolution, the administration has stressed that such positions do not exempt officeholders from adhering to the law. Authorities have made clear that non-compliance with regulatory frameworks, especially where public assets and environmental protections are concerned, will not be tolerated.
Reactions within Ofiki and surrounding communities have been mixed, reflecting the complex interplay between traditional authority, economic interests, and regulatory oversight. Some residents expressed concern about the implications of the suspension for local leadership and community cohesion. Others voiced support for the government’s intervention, particularly among those advocating for stronger environmental protections and fairer economic practices in mining host areas. Analysts suggest that such divisions are emblematic of wider debates across Nigeria, where resource-rich rural areas often grapple with balancing economic opportunities from mineral extraction against legal compliance and environmental stewardship.
Legal observers have also pointed out that ensuring due process in investigations involving traditional rulers is essential to maintaining public trust. All parties involved will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds to determine whether the allegations against Chief Sobaloju will lead to formal charges, reinstatement, or further disciplinary actions. The outcome is expected to have broader repercussions for how mining regulations are upheld and enforced in the state.
Beyond the immediate case, Oyo State’s approach to illegal mining is part of a larger national conversation about governance, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Nigeria’s mineral resources have long been seen as drivers of economic growth, but unregulated extraction has frequently sparked legal battles, community tensions, and ecological harm. As states like Oyo take firmer measures to enforce legal frameworks, discussions are intensifying on how best to integrate traditional institutions, government authorities, and private sector actors in fostering transparent and lawful mining operations.
Governor Makinde’s administration has reiterated its resolve to defend the state’s environmental and economic interests. Government spokespeople have reiterated that any individual — regardless of title or position — found culpable of undermining the rule of law and facilitating illegal activities will face appropriate sanctions as prescribed by law. In closing remarks regarding the suspension, officials reiterated that protecting the state’s citizens and natural assets remains paramount, and that ongoing reforms will continue to strengthen governance in the mining sector.
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