Oyo govt suspends traditional ruler over alleged links to illegal mining

The Oyo State government has suspended the Onido of Ido, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, over alleged links to the activities of illegal miners in Ido Local Government Area of the state.

The government, in a letter dated 2 February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1 February, 2024.

The letter directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the chairman of Ido Local Government.

The letter reads: “I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in 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 virtue of 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.”

A government source said the decision followed intelligence reports that the suspended Onido was aiding and abetting the activities of illegal miners and other criminals.

The source said that the state government, drawing from the circumstances behind the Bodija explosion, was going all out to deal with illegalities that had tendency to harm the state.

In the light of this, the official stressed that the state government would not hesitate to hit hard and bring to justice anyone who contravenes the laws of the land, regardless of their status or position.

On the issue of the possibility of Onido being dethroned when investigation is concluded, the government source said “all options are on the table.”