The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA has commenced the sensitization campaign against street trading in Markets across the State.
The Campaign team led by the Chairperson of the Authority, Honourable Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi (Rtd) kick-started the flag off at Bodija Markets, emphasising the need for compliance ahead of the enforcement drive in earnest.
While addressing the Traders at Bodija Markets, Justice Aderemi charged them on the need for a safer and clean environment stressing on the importance of safety of lives and good health which is a passionate desire of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for all and sundry in the State.
She reiterated that non compliance on Environmental Laws and Regulations as well as other related offences will attract fines and prosecutions at the Mobile courts which will cut across the thirty three local governments areas of the State.
The people were warned to desist from indecent disposal of refuse on walkways, road sides and medians, for the safety of their lives and properties. Adding that trading and display of wares on road sides contributes to an unkempt environment and poses threats to lives which at times lead to death.
Above all, these offences are tantamount to violations of the environmental laws, sanitation and beautification regulations in which any form of compromise or violation attracts the full weight of the law.
Speaking further, Justice Aderemi enjoined the traders to join hands with the government and desist from such indiscriminate acts of lawlessness and to ensure the sustenance of the beautification landscape of the State which will in turn enhance the socio economic development.
Responding to the plights and complaints of the traders on how to sustain their means of livelihood and make ends meet once they are displaced, Justice Aderemi allayed their fears that Governor Seyi Makinde has tasked the agency to liaise with the Local Government Authorities of the concerned areas to ensure provision of an alternative location to accommodate the affected traders before the enforcement exercise.
The sensitization campaign continues in other markets within the Ibadan metropolis and such that will go round the geopolitical zones in the State.
Opeyemi Ogunniyi
IPRO, OYRLEA
Dated: 28th January, 2025
