Oyo government begins enforcement of open grazing, street trading laws

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 - The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has commenced enforcement of street trading, anti-open rearing/grazing regulations, and other related laws in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated this in a release on Wednesday, saying the enforcement team of the authority, led by the Chairperson, OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd), alongside the Chairman, Environmental Task Force, DCP Francis Ojomo (retd), carried out the exercise in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The duo emphasised the 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 highlighted a crackdown on street traders at the Bodija Market, Ibadan, with the evacuation of mini stalls and mobile counters, as well as wares and goods displayed by the roadside.

The chairman of OYRLEA said, “Recall that extensive sensitisation and campaign efforts against street trading began with a flag-off at Bodija Market earlier this year in January, and such has been a continuum till date.”

“OYRLEA is now taking enforcement action to ensure compliance,” she added.

In another development, following petitions received from residents of Unique Estate, Oluyole, Ibadan, the enforcement team impounded three rams and a cow.

Speaking, OYRLEA chairman 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 a fine option.

Likewise, residents of Abidiodan, at Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan, have been issued a seven-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.