Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has given approval for the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ido town, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Government Area. The suspension, effective from February 1, 2024, was announced in a letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola.
The statement did not provide specific reasons or the duration of the suspension. Oba Gbolagade Babalola is directed to hand over all government property in his possession to the chairman of the local government.
The exercise of the suspension powers by Governor Makinde is in accordance with Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000, and other relevant enabling powers. The Onido of Ido had previously been involved in a dispute in 2018 with deposed Baale Tajudeen Agura, who claimed legitimacy as the Onido of Ido based on his Agura lineage. In response, Oba Babalola cited the historical friendship between his great-grandfather and the first Agura appointed as Baale of Ido.