Under the leadership of Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State government has suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I), the prominent traditional ruler of Ido land. This action was taken due to his alleged involvement in illegal mining.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that his suspension was confirmed by the state commissioner for information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who explained that the government adopted the severe move to send a message to those who aided and abetted criminals on their lands that they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.
The commissioner thereafter specifically said that Onido was suspended following an intelligence assessment that linked him to illegal miners in the state’s Ido local government region.
“In the light of our recent experience and government 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 was quoted by Oyo News.
This suspension may be influenced by the explosion that rocked the capital, Ibadan in January.
SaharaReporters had reported that the explosion left at least five persons dead with over 70 others injured and over 50 houses burnt.
Makinde, Oyo State governor had also linked the terrible incident to the operations of a Malian accused of illegal mining.