The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has commenced mobile court enforcement at Bodija Market, Ibadan, with several persons arraigned for allegedly trading on roads, pedestrian walkways, drainage channels and other unauthorised public spaces.
The exercise is part of renewed efforts by the Authority to restore order, protect public spaces and enforce laws regulating trading and other activities in public places across the state.
According to a statement by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the enforcement followed sustained sensitisation campaigns and previous operations by OYRLEA aimed at discouraging illegal trading and other activities on roads, walkways and drainage channels.
The cases were heard by Her Worship, Magistrate Olaniyan Folake Rachael.
Some of the defendants were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, with an option of ₦30,000 fine, while others were granted bail in the sum of ₦200,000, with one surety each.
The sureties were required to provide traceable addresses and valid means of identification, while cases involving defendants granted bail were adjourned to September 11, 2026, for hearing.
Oyelade said the Chief of Staff to the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Kofoworola Akinbode, Esq., who spoke at the scene on behalf of the Chairperson, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), explained that the deployment of the mobile court was necessary to restore sanity to market environments and reinforce the Authority’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
She said the exercise demonstrated the government’s resolve to complement sensitisation with appropriate enforcement measures where violations persist.
The Chief of Staff urged residents and traders to comply with existing laws and regulations governing the use of public spaces, stressing the need to keep roads, walkways and drainage channels free from illegal trading activities.
She reaffirmed OYRLEA’s commitment to protecting public spaces and promoting a safe, orderly and conducive environment for residents, traders, pedestrians and motorists.
Some market users expressed support for the enforcement exercise, noting that indiscriminate display of goods on roads and walkways obstructed the free movement of pedestrians and motorists and created safety concerns.
Oyelade added that OYRLEA would continue to combine public sensitisation, enforcement and, where necessary, judicial action to promote a safer, cleaner and more orderly environment for all residents of the state.
