The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has commenced a mobile court enforcement exercise at Bodija Market, Ibadan, as part of renewed efforts to restore order, protect public spaces, and ensure compliance with laws regulating trading and other activities in public places across the state.
The exercise, which formed part of the Authority’s sustained enforcement operations, led to the arraignment of several persons accused of displaying and selling goods on roads, pedestrian walkways, drainage channels, and other unauthorised public spaces.
The mobile court, presided over by Her Worship, Magistrate Olaniyan Folake Rachael, considered the cases brought before it. Some of the defendants were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦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. Cases involving defendants granted bail were adjourned to September 11, 2026, for hearing.
The enforcement exercise followed sustained sensitisation campaigns and previous enforcement operations by OYRLEA aimed at discouraging illegal trading and other activities on roads, walkways, and drainage channels.
Speaking at the scene for the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), the Chief of Staff, Kofoworola Akinbode, Esq., said that the mobile court was needed to bring order back to market areas and show the Authority’s dedication to following the law.
She explained that the exercise was a further demonstration of the government’s resolve to complement sensitisation with appropriate enforcement measures where violations persist, noting that residents and traders are expected to comply with existing laws and regulations governing the use of public spaces.
The Chief of Staff 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 also expressed support for the enforcement exercise, noting that the indiscriminate display of goods on roads and walkways had continued to obstruct the free movement of pedestrians and motorists while also creating safety concerns and increasing the risk of avoidable accidents.
The Authority reiterated that its approach would continue to combine public sensitisation, enforcement, and, where necessary, judicial action to promote a safer, cleaner, and more orderly environment for all residents.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
