The Oyo State government in Nigeria suspended a ruler after authorities alleged he played a role in facilitating illegal mining activities inside government-designated forest reserves, according to The Guardian Nigeria. Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, the Sobaloju of Ofiki, was suspended effective Monday, January 5, 2026. The Guardian Nigeria reported that the action followed allegations that he encouraged trespassing on government-gazetted assets and violated Executive Order 001/2023. The legislation regulates mining activities across Oyo State. Oyo State officials said the government has intensified enforcement efforts in recent years to curb illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and rural communities.

Source: The Guardian January 12, 2026 00:26 UTC