OYRLEA, SECURITY AGENCIES CLAMP DOWN ON ILLEGAL TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES AROUND ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL, OKE-PADRE

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) and the Nigeria Police Force, has carried out a joint enforcement operation to address the persistent issue of illegal parking, loading and transport activities around St. Mary's Cathedral, Oke-Padre, Ibadan.

The operation followed a formal petition submitted to the Authority, alleging that commercial transport operators had repeatedly occupied the frontage of the Cathedral despite several warnings and engagements by relevant authorities.

 The petition further stated that the activities of the operators obstructed access to the church, caused traffic congestion, disrupted worship activities and posed security and safety concerns to worshippers and members of the public.

During the exercise, enforcement officers successfully cleared the area of unauthorized transport activities and restored order within the Cathedral's vicinity. A total of six vehicles were impounded for various traffic and environmental violations, comprising four commercial buses and two Micra taxis.

The operation encountered some resistance from a few transport operators who attempted to obstruct the exercise and incite disorder. Their actions briefly created tension in the area, however, security personnel acted promptly and professionally to restore calm and maintain law and order. The operation was concluded successfully without any major incident.

Reacting to the development, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi (Rtd.), condemned the persistent disregard for the law and public order exhibited by the transport operators.

She stressed that places of worship deserve respect and should not be converted into unauthorized motor parks at the expense of worshippers and other road users.

According to her, "The Authority will not stand by while a few individuals hold the public to ransom and undermine the sanctity of our places of worship. The frontage of St. Mary's Cathedral is not a motor park. This enforcement action is not a one-off exercise, it will be sustained until full compliance is achieved across the State."

Justice Aderemi further commended officers of OYRTMA, Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the OYRLEA Enforcement Team for their professionalism, dedication and effective collaboration throughout the operation. She noted that inter-agency cooperation remains essential to ensuring effective law enforcement and maintaining public order.

She reiterated that the enforcement exercise was conducted in line with the Authority's statutory mandate to uphold the rule of law, protect public infrastructure, ensure public safety and safeguard the rights of residents and worshippers to carry out their lawful activities without obstruction.

OYRLEA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing relevant laws across Oyo State and warned individuals and groups against the unauthorized occupation of public spaces, illegal parking and transport activities that constitute a nuisance or threat to public peace and order.