The Oyo State government has suspended Chief Kilani Ajani as the Baale of Ilua Community in Saki West Local Government Area of the state.
The suspension of Chief Ajani was premised on his activities, which have allegedly caused unrest and political strife within Ilua and Gbepakan communities.
As contained in a release by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the suspension of the baale was contained in a letter addressed to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola.
The letter, from the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Biodun Aikomo, stated that Chief Ajani was recommended for suspension based on a letter from the Oyo State Solid Minerals Development Agency.
The suspension, which was approved by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, is to prevent the crisis in the communities from festering and to allow a fair investigation into the allegations against Chief Ajani.
The suspension of Chief Kilani Ajani as the Baale of Ilua brought into two the numbers of traditional rulers that has been suspended by the Oyo State government within one month, over their alleged link with illegal mining activities.
Recalled that the Oyo State government, on 1 February, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) 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 1 February, 2024.
The letter, as contained in a statement by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde did not state the reason(s) for the suspension of the traditional ruler.
However indications have emerged that the Onido was suspended for allegedly having a link with illegal miners operating in the local government area.
Governor Makinde had simply stated in the four-paragraph statement that he suspended the Onido of Ido in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and other enabling powers in that regard.
“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,” the letter read in part.
