By Newspot Nigeria News Staff
Ibadan –The Oyo State government, through its Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), has initiated a sweeping crackdown on street trading and open grazing violations across the state capital, Ibadan. The enforcement drive, which began on Tuesday, marks a firm escalation from earlier sensitization campaigns to full regulatory enforcement.
Leading the charge were Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), Chairperson of OYRLEA, and DCP Francis Ojomo (rtd.), Chairman of the Environmental Task Force. Both officials reiterated the administration’s resolve to clamp down on all activities contravening environmental, sanitation, and anti-open-grazing laws.
During the enforcement exercise at Bodija Market, numerous roadside stalls, mobile counters, and goods displayed on walkways were dismantled or evacuated. This comes months after the agency’s initial awareness campaign, which was flagged off at the same market in January.
“Recall that extensive sensitization and campaign efforts against street trading began with a flag-off at Bodija Market earlier this year in January, and such had been a continuum till date,” said Hon. Justice Aderemi, stressing that OYRLEA is now fully focused on compliance through enforcement.
The crackdown also extended to illegal animal rearing within residential areas. Acting on multiple complaints from residents of Unique Estate in Oluyole, the task force impounded three rams and a cow roaming the area. The owner has been issued a seven-day ultimatum to reclaim the animals or face permanent forfeiture, along with the option of paying a fine.
Meanwhile, residents of Abidiodan in Lagelu Local Government Area were also served a seven-day eviction notice to remove shanties constructed along road setbacks. Authorities noted that the makeshift structures were now being used for illicit activities and posed a growing security risk.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with Operation Burst, Amotekun, the Environmental Task Force, and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
This latest development underscores Oyo State’s determination to restore order and compliance with existing laws, especially in urban areas grappling with rapid population growth and unregulated commercial activity.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on compliance, legal proceedings, and community response to this statewide enforcement.
Full Statement Below:
Dear colleagues. How is your day going? Good afternoon. Please find below a statement from Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Agency. Thank you for your kind use.
Press Release
Oyo Rule of Law Crackdown on Street Trading, Open Grazing
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, has begun its enforcement against street trading, anti-open rearing/grazing regulations and other related laws in the State.
The Enforcement team of the Authority led by the Chairperson, OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), alongside the Chairman, Environmental Task Force, DCP Francis Ojomo (rtd), carried out the exercise on Tuesday in Ibadan.
The duo emphasized the Oyo state government’s readiness and swift response to tackle and sort every related offence, thus prosecuting violators of the extant laws.
They added that the Enforcement highlights crack down on street traders at Bodija Market, Ibadan, with evacuation of mini stalls and mobile counters as well as wares and goods displayed on the roadside.
The Chairman OYRLEA said, “Recall that extensive sensitization and campaign efforts against street trading began with a flag-off at Bodija Market earlier this year in January, and such had been a continuum till date.”
She added that OYRLEA is now taking enforcement action to ensure compliance, she added.
In another development, following some petitions received from residents of Unique Estate, Oluyole, Ibadan, three rams, and a cow were impounded by the enforcement team.
Speaking, the Chairman OYRLEA reiterated the Agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental and sanitation laws, as well as anti-open rearing and grazing regulations and other related laws in the State.
Hon. Justice Aderemi gave the owner a seven-day ultimatum to claim them to avoid forfeiture, in lieu of fine option.
Likewise, residents of Abidiodan, at Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan, have been issued a 7-day ultimatum to evacuate shanties on road setbacks, which have become hideouts for criminals and illegal activities.
The Enforcement team was joined by Operation Burst, Environmental Task Force, officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Amotekun among others.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
August 6, 2025
📰 Newspot Nigeria
