Oyo cracks down on illegal street trading, impounds goods

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has intensified its enforcement against street trading and the illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija and Ojoo markets in Ibadan, confiscating goods from erring traders.

The operation was carried out by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) in collaboration with security operatives to ensure compliance with laws regulating trading activities and the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces.

OYRLEA said the exercise followed observations that some traders continued to display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels and road setbacks despite the availability of market facilities provided by the state government.

The authority said the continued use of public spaces for trading posed concerns for motorists, pedestrians and other members of the public, stressing that designated markets were provided to allow traders to conduct legitimate businesses.

During the enforcement exercise, substantial quantities of goods, including perishable and non-perishable items, were impounded from locations where trading activities were found to have violated the law.

OYRLEA stressed that the enforcement was not aimed at frustrating legitimate business owners but at ensuring that traders operate within legal boundaries while protecting public spaces and maintaining order.

The authority therefore urged market men and women to stop trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels and road setbacks and instead make use of designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

OYRLEA warned that the enforcement would continue across the affected markets and other parts of Oyo State until significant compliance is achieved.