By Omoniyi Afeez (Oxygen)
Hon. Dele Adeola, the distinguished representative of Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to public safety and effective governance by co-sponsoring a crucial legislative motion aimed at regulating the misuse of covered number plates, unregistered vehicles, political stickers, and dealer number plates within the state. This legislative initiative, jointly sponsored alongside Hon. R.A. Mabaje (Ido), Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), Hon. S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), and other esteemed lawmakers, seeks to address the rising incidence of criminal activities facilitated by the improper use of these elements, which pose a significant threat to public security and order.
The motion, which was deliberated on the floor of the House during the plenary session on Tuesday, underscored the alarming increase in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and smuggling—many of which are perpetrated by individuals who exploit the concealment offered by covered number plates, unregistered vehicles, and dealer plates to evade detection by law enforcement agencies. In adherence to the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012, as amended in 2016, the motion emphasized the necessity for strict compliance with existing vehicle registration and traffic safety regulations to prevent further abuses.
The legislative proposition highlighted several pertinent cases that underscore the urgency of this intervention, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) operation conducted in Ibadan in July 2023, which led to the apprehension of offenders utilizing covered number plates to circumvent traffic laws, and the police operation in September 2023, which resulted in the arrest of suspected kidnappers employing similar tactics to perpetrate their crimes.
In recognition of the critical need to curtail this menace, the motion unequivocally condemned the unauthorized use of covered number plates, unregistered vehicles, and dealer number plates, while calling upon key security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the FRSC, to intensify enforcement measures to apprehend and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law. Furthermore, the motion urged the Executive Arm of the Oyo State Government to ensure the diligent prosecution of violators, irrespective of their social or political affiliations, in order to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
In addition to enforcement measures, the motion advocated for the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, across critical areas within the state to bolster intelligence gathering and enhance the capacity of security agencies in tracking and identifying suspicious vehicles.
Hon. Dele Adeola’s proactive engagement in this legislative endeavor underscores his steadfast dedication to the promotion of public safety, law enforcement efficiency, and the overall well-being of his constituents. His is total commitment to legislative excellence and responsive governance positions him as a model of responsible leadership within the Oyo State House of Assembly.
As he continues to champion initiatives that contribute to the advancement and security of Oyo State, it is hoped that this motion will pave the way for more robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms aimed at curbing criminal activities facilitated through vehicle-related infractions.
May Hon Adeola Dele continue to succeed as his legislative efforts continue to yield positive and lasting impacts on the state and its constituency at large Amen.
Omoniyi Afeez (OXYGEN) writes ✍️
