Suspended Oyo traditional ruler linked to Illegal mining

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has restated Oyo Government’s resolve to deal with the problem of illegal mining in the state.

According to him, the Seyi Makinde administration will hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

Oyelade stated this while reacting to the suspension of the Onido of Ido land, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I), by the state government on Friday.

The commissioner revealled that the government took the tough measure of sending signals to those aiding and abetting criminals within the state’s territory, saying that “they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Specifically, the Oyelade disclosed that the traditional ruler was suspended “because of an intelligence report linking him to illegal miners” in the Ido Local Government Area of the state.

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“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,” the Commissioner said.

Speaking on the possibility of Onido being dethroned when the investigation was concluded, Oyelade said, “All options are on the table.”

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