By Adeyinka Adeniran
Indication have emerged that suspended Onido of Ido, Ido local government area of Oyo state, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I) received the heavy sanction of the government because of intelligence report linking him to activities of illegal miners in his council area.
The government, it was gathered is not also ruling out the possibilities of dethroning the monarch should findings of investigation confirm some things.
This is as the state government vowed to hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the laws of the state.
Corenews reports that, the state government in a statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday announced the suspension of the monarch.
The government, in a letter dated 2nd of February, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor Makinde approved the suspension on 1st of February, 2024.
The letter reads in part, “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.”
It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the chairman of Ido local government.
When contacted to react to the suspension of the traditional ruler, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that government took the tough measure to send signals to those aiding and abetting criminals within the state, noting that they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Specifically, the commissioner revealed that the Onido was suspended because of intelligence report linking him to illegal miners in Ido local government area of the state.
Oyelade said, “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.”
On the issue of the possibility of Onido being dethroned when investigation is conclusive, the Commissioner said “all options are on the table.”
