Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Government Area of the state.
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 Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on 1st of February, 2024.
The letter read 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. In the meantime, the state government has vowed to hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, while reacting to the suspension of Oba Babalola, revealed that the government took the tough measure to send signals to those aiding and abetting criminals within our territory that they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Specifically, he revealed that Onido was suspended because of intelligence report linking him to illegal miners in Ido Local Government Area of the state.
“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,” he said.
On the issue of the possibility of Onido being dethroned when investigation is conclusive, the commissioner said “all options are on the table.”
