OYRLEA leads enforcement at Bodija and Sango Markets. 26 fined, 3 arrested

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), alongside the Environmental Task Force and Health Officers from the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has conducted a major enforcement operation against illegal street trading at Bodija and Sango Markets, Ibadan.

The exercise targeted traders who illegally occupied roadsides, walkways, drainage channels, and other unauthorized public spaces to restore order, ease traffic flow, and improve environmental sanitation.

During the operation, goods displayed in prohibited areas were impounded. The action followed repeated warnings to traders to vacate such spaces and comply with environmental laws.

26 traders were fined for violating the state’s environmental and street trading regulations. Three persons who obstructed enforcement officers were arrested and arraigned in court.

Commenting on the exercise, the OYRLEA Chairperson, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi Rtd. said, “indiscriminate street trading creates traffic congestion, blocks drainage and poses health and safety risks.”

The enforcement exercise was led by DCP Francis Ojomo (Rtd.), Chairman,  Environmental Task Force, and Iyabode Akinbode, Esq., Chief of Staff to the Chairperson, OYRLEA.

The Authority urged traders to operate only in designated market spaces and warned that enforcement will continue across markets and public places in Oyo State to ensure compliance and maintain a clean, safe, and orderly environment.