The Onido of Ido, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, has been suspended by the Oyo State government over alleged connections to illegal mining activities in Ido Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, conveyed the suspension in a letter dated February 2, 2024, with Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval on February 1.
The letter instructs Oba Babalola to relinquish 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.”
The decision was reportedly made based on intelligence reports indicating the Onido’s involvement in aiding and abetting illegal miners and other criminal activities.
A government source highlighted that the state government is taking stringent actions against illegalities, particularly in the wake of the Bodija explosion incident.
Emphasizing a commitment to upholding the law, the source stated that the government will firmly deal with anyone, regardless of status, who violates the laws of the land.
Regarding the possibility of dethronement after the investigation concludes, the government source stated that all options are on the table.
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