Oyo Govt begins crackdown on street trading, open grazing violations

Adejayan Oluwagbenga –

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has commenced a statewide crackdown on street trading, open grazing, and other environmental and public order violations.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, on Wednesday.

The enforcement exercise, which began on Tuesday in Ibadan, was led by the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), alongside the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, DCP Francis Ojomo (rtd). The operation targeted major areas notorious for non-compliance with existing laws, including the popular Bodija Market.

During the operation, traders operating along the roadside were evicted, with mini stalls, mobile counters, and wares removed. Justice Aderemi noted that the action followed several months of sustained public sensitisation, which began earlier in the year with a campaign flag-off at Bodija Market.

“We have carried out adequate awareness campaigns since January, and we are now enforcing the law to ensure full compliance,” she said, adding that offenders will face prosecution.

In a related development, the enforcement team responded to residents’ complaints in Unique Estate, Oluyole, where three rams and a cow were seized for violating anti-open grazing laws. Justice Aderemi issued a seven-day ultimatum to the livestock owner to reclaim the animals, warning that failure to do so would result in forfeiture and possible fines.

Similarly, residents of Abidiodan in Lagelu Local Government Area were issued a seven-day notice to dismantle illegal shanties erected on road setbacks. Authorities described the structures as potential hideouts for criminal elements and threats to public safety.

The multi-agency operation included officers from Operation Burst, the Environmental Task Force, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Amotekun Corps.