A traditional ruler in Oyo State has been suspended for alleged involvement with illegal miners, according to the state government.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, announced in a statement today that Governor Seyi Makinde has suspended Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), the traditional ruler of Ido town in the state’s Ido Local Government Area.
He further stated that the state government took the drastic step of suspending the monarch to send a message to those assisting and abetting criminals on their territory that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
According to the commissioner, the Onido of Ido was suspended following an intelligence report linked him to illicit miners in the local government area.
“In the light of our recent experience and the government’s daily efforts to rid our land of criminals, we are sending the signal to all like-minded elements to vacate our zone or be caught and brought to justice,” he stated.
Concerning the potential of Onido being dethroned after the investigation is completed, the commissioner stated, “All options are on the table.”
Similarly, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, confirmed the suspension yesterday, February 1.
He stated that the suspension was based on a letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
“I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by all other enabling powers in that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.
It directed Oba Babalola to turn over all government property in his hands to the chairman of Ido Local Government.
This comes just three weeks after an explosion shook Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, in Ibadan, the state capital, which was related to explosives stored in a residential neighbourhood.
The state administration said that five persons died and 77 were injured to varied degrees. Several homes were also destroyed.
