The traditional ruler of Ido town in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo state, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), has been suspended by Governor Seyi Makinde over alleged link with illegal miners.
The government, in a letter dated 2 February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1 February, 2024.
The letter directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the chairman of Ido Local Government.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement on Friday said the Onido of Ido was suspended because of an intelligence report linking him to illegal miners in the local government area.
Oyelade added that the state government took the tough measure of suspending the monarch to send signals to those aiding and abetting criminals within their territory that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The statement partly read;
“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.”
On the possibility of Onido being dethroned when an investigation is concluded, the commissioner said, “All options are on the table.”
