The Oyo State government suspended a prominent traditional ruler in the state, Onido of Ido land, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) for his alleged involvement in illegal mining.
Reports had earlier indicated that the traditional ruler’s suspension was confirmed by the state commissioner for information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Oyelade had 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.
However, 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 to have said.
This suspension may be influenced by the explosion that rocked the capital, Ibadan in January.
The reported explosion had left at least five persons dead with over 70 others injured and over 50 houses burnt.
Seyi Makinde, Oyo State governor had also linked the terrible incident to the operations of a Malian accused of illegal mining.
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