The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), has reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order across the state.
Speaking during the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Monday, Justice Aderemi disclosed that the Authority, which was established in 2024, has been instrumental in enforcing regulations related to environmental sanitation, traffic control, and open grazing. She stated that thousands of cases have already been addressed, highlighting the success of the Authority’s interventions.
“Our mandate is to ensure a clean, safe and orderly environment in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision. We focus on misdemeanours such as environmental and traffic offences, not criminal matters like murder which remain under the jurisdiction of the High Court,” she clarified.
According to her, the Authority has established tribunals to handle minor infractions, offering offenders a fair hearing, legal representation—often through partnerships with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Legal Aid Council—and options such as bail or fines depending on the gravity of offences.
She revealed that from September 2024 to date, OYRLEA’s two tribunals have tried over 6,000 traffic-related offences and 3,000 environmental cases. The Authority has also made significant progress in tackling open grazing and curbing farmer-herder clashes across the state.
Citing an example from Ido Local Government, Justice Aderemi described how the Authority responds promptly to complaints, often arriving at reported locations as early as 5 a.m. to apprehend herders and seize stray cattle. “We arrest the cows and if their owners do not come forward within seven days, we sell the cows and compensate the affected farmers as stipulated by law,” she said.
The chairperson added that the Authority has actively carried out sensitization campaigns in areas such as Bodija and Bola Ige International markets to discourage street trading. It has also collaborated with various agencies, including the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other security and legal institutions.
“We are working round the clock to create awareness and ensure residents comply with the law. We’ve met with local government chairmen and participated in media programmes to get our message to the grassroots,” she stated.
Justice Aderemi also warned against the rebuilding of demolished shanties around public schools, stating that anyone caught doing so would be dealt with accordingly. She said Amotekun operatives would soon be stationed in some schools to ensure the safety of students and foster a conducive learning environment.
She assured that the Authority respects citizens’ rights, including the right to legal representation and fair hearing, with interpreters provided for non-Yoruba-speaking offenders when necessary.
Justice Aderemi was accompanied at the briefing by Mrs K.K. Olosho-Olayiwola (Board Secretary), Mrs I.E. Akinbode (Chief of Staff), and Mr Toyin Aluku (Acting Director, Administration and Supplies).
