Suspended monarch linked to illegal mining, says Oyo government

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, has said that the Oyo State Government will hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

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

He revealed 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 commissioner disclosed that the Onido was suspended because of an intelligence report linking him to illegal miners in the Ido Local Government Area of the state.

“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.”

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