The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Environmental Task Force and health officers from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified its crackdown on illegal street trading, sanctioning 26 traders and prosecuting three others during a major enforcement exercise in Ibadan.
The operation, carried out at Bodija and Sango markets, targeted traders who had illegally occupied roadsides, walkways, drainage channels and other unauthorised public spaces.
According to the authority, the exercise was aimed at restoring order in the affected markets, improving the free flow of traffic and enhancing environmental sanitation.
Officials impounded goods displayed in prohibited areas, noting that the enforcement followed repeated warnings directing traders to vacate illegal trading spots and comply with the state’s environmental regulations.
OYRLEA disclosed that 26 traders were fined for violating environmental and street trading laws, while three persons who allegedly obstructed enforcement officers during the exercise were arrested and subsequently arraigned before a court.
Speaking on the exercise, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, said indiscriminate street trading continued to pose serious challenges to public safety and urban management.
According to her, the illegal activities contribute to traffic congestion, obstruct drainage channels and create health and environmental hazards.
The enforcement exercise was led by the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojomo, alongside the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Akinbode.
The authority urged traders to conduct their businesses only within designated market areas, warning that similar enforcement operations would continue in markets and other public places across the state.
It reiterated the Oyo State Government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws aimed at maintaining a clean, safe and orderly environment for residents.
