The Oyo State Government has suspended the traditional ruler of Ido town in the Ido Local Government Area of the state, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), over his alleged ties with illegal miners.
This was revealed in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, released on Friday.
The government, according to Oyelade took the decision of suspending the monarch to serve as deterrent to those aiding and abetting criminals within their territory that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“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 statement partly reads.
On the issue of the possibility of Onido being dethroned when an investigation is concluded, the commissioner said, “All options are on the table.”
A letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by the Oyo state Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, a copy of which was sighted by Chronicle NG on Friday, said the state governor, Makinde, approved the monarch’s suspension on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
“I wish to inform you that the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-sections 1 and 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, have approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of the state.” the letter reads
Olayiwola, therefore, directed the monarch to hand over all government property in his possession to the chairman of the local government.
