The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), has declared that there will be no sacred cow in the enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, warning that violators risk a fine of ₦500,000 or 5 years imprisonment for first offence.

Justice Aderemi gave the warning during a live Radio interview in  Ibadan, said  OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to put an end to lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.

She revealed that the Authority has commenced intensive enforcement operations, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele.

“Open grazing is illegal in Oyo State. The law is very clear. Our farm settlements are for farmers, not for herders. If you want to rear cattle, go to the Ministry of Agriculture, get a licence and get a ranch allocated to you. You cannot destroy people’s crops and livelihoods and go scot-free,” she said.

The retired jurist cited Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which prescribes 5 years imprisonment or ₦500,000 fine for first offenders, and 10 years or ₦2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on Ministry of Agriculture assessment.

On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.

“Our operations are based on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction. Due process is always followed. Anyone who feels aggrieved should report to us, not blackmail the Authority on air,” she stated.

Justice Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also sustained massive sensitization through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.

She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer and food-secure Oyo State.

“We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law. Whether you are rearing cows in a residential area, dumping refuse or trading on the road, the law will catch up with you,” she warned.

E-Signed* :

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), /F.DRI, F.ICMC, has declared that there will be no sacred cow in the enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, warning that violators risk a fine of ₦500,000 or 5 years imprisonment for first offence.

Justice Aderemi gave the warning on Dominion FM 101.6, Ibadan, during a live interview programme anchored by Chike Obogu. She was accompanied by top management of the Authority.

According to her, OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to put an end to lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.

She revealed that the Authority has commenced aggressive enforcement, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and Government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele.

“Open grazing is illegal in Oyo State. The law is very clear. Our farm settlements are for farmers, not for herders. If you want to rear cattle, go to the Ministry of Agriculture, get a licence and get a ranch allocated to you. You cannot destroy people’s crops and livelihoods and go scot-free,” she said.

The retired jurist cited Section 16 (1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which prescribes 5 years imprisonment or ₦500,000 fine for first offenders, and 10 years or ₦2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on Ministry of Agriculture assessment.

On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.

“Our operations are based on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction. Due process is always followed. Anyone who feels aggrieved should report to us, not blackmail the Authority on air,” she stated.

Justice Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also sustained massive sensitization through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.

She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer and food-secure Oyo State.

“We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law. Whether you are rearing cows in a residential area, dumping refuse or trading on the road, the law will catch up with you,” she warned.

E-Signed:

Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), F.DRI, F.ICMC

Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA)

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has formally commenced full-scale operations at its new permanent headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, with a landmark Environmental Protection Tribunal session and a powerful dedicatory prayer meeting, marking a new chapter in the enforcement of the rule of law in Oyo State.

At the Environmental Protection Tribunal sitting today, October 20, 2026, presided over by Mr. Kunle Abimbola, Esq., three defendants were arraigned for improper refuse disposal and other environmental infractions. The first defendant pleaded guilty to Count One but not guilty to Counts Two and Three; the second pleaded guilty to all counts, while the third pleaded guilty to Count One and not guilty to Counts Two and Three. The Tribunal fixed penalties at ₦30,000 for Count One, ₦20,000 for Count Two and ₦10,000 for Count Three, in line with extant environmental laws.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), F.DRI.F.ICMC, said the commencement of activities at the new headquarters is a call to higher responsibility. She charged officers and staff to be more zealous and proactive in the discharge of their duties.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. The Governor has given us a befitting headquarters and all the resources we need. Now is the time to be on top of our game. We must embrace enforcement with renewed vigour and ensure compliance in every part of this State,” she declared.

Justice Aderemi further charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of work ethics, discipline and professionalism, noting that regular training and retraining would be institutionalized to sharpen operational efficiency. According to her, OYRLEA will no longer be confined to Ibadan but will extend its operations across all local government areas and geopolitical zones of the State.

“We must go out, we must cover the length and breadth of Oyo State. Markets, roads, public spaces and our environment must reflect order, safety and cleanliness. We cannot afford to fail the people of Oyo State,” she added.

Later in the day, the Authority held an inaugural prayer session at the conference hall of the new headquarters, attended by the Chairperson, members of the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Authority.

The General Overseer of Riverside Victory International Christian Ministry, Reverend Joseph K. Afolabi, delivered a stirring exhortation, urging staff to see their assignment as a divine calling to serve humanity and promote justice. He admonished the workforce to work in unity, love and with a single mind in pursuit of the Authority’s mandate.

Reverend Afolabi prayed that the Almighty God would continually shield, protect and preserve all officers of the Authority as they go about their enforcement duties. He also offered fervent prayers for unity and progress of the Authority, for peace and sustainable development in Oyo State, and for the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc., GSSRS.

The combined court session and prayer meeting underscore OYRLEA’s dual resolve to enforce environmental and public order laws without compromise while seeking divine guidance for effective service delivery.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, healthier and more orderly Oyo State.

E-Signed:

Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), F.DRI F.ICMC,

Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA)

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with security operatives, has impounded 20 cows in two separate enforcement operations in Ibadan for alleged open grazing, residential rearing and destruction of farm crops.

The first operation was carried out at dawn on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Batake Village along Ibadan–Eruwa Road, following a petition by Adewolu Farms over persistent invasion and destruction of its farmland by cattle. The farm cultivates cassava, maize, yam and cashew.

OYRLEA officials and security operatives stormed the location where the cattle were being kept. Upon sighting the team, the herders attempted to move the herd away but nine cows were successfully impounded.

In a second operation at dawn on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Idi-Iroko, Moniya, Ibadan, the Authority impounded 11 cows over alleged residential rearing and open grazing.

The two operations bring the total number of cows impounded to 20.

OYRLEA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, to protect residents, farmers and lawful economic activities.

The Authority urged residents and farmers to report violations through appropriate channels, assuring that all legitimate complaints will be attended to in accordance with the law.

E -Signed:

Honourable Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.)

The Chairperson

Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with security operatives, has impounded 10 cows over illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan.

The enforcement followed a petition by residents alleging cattle rearing within the densely populated neighbourhood, indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, noise and air pollution, and open grazing.

Acting in the early hours of today, the enforcement team visited the area to verify the complaints and found them to be substantiated. The team confirmed that cattle were being reared in a residential environment and established evidence of open grazing, in contravention of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.

Eight cows were impounded at the location. While returning from the operation, the team sighted additional cows tied down and grazing openly along the route. Two more were seized, bringing the total to ten.

OYRLEA stated that the action is not targeted at legitimate livestock owners but is aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and protecting residents from environmental, health, and public safety risks associated with illegal open rearing and grazing.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to the enforcement of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, and urged residents to continue reporting violations, assuring that credible complaints will receive prompt attention.

E-Signed :
Honourable Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.)
Chairperson,
Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA)

Offenders arraigned as Authority intensifies drive to reclaim public spaces

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 and ensure compliance with laws governing the use of public spaces in the state.

The mobile court, presided over by Her Worship, Magistrate Olaniyan Folake Rachael, arraigned several persons for allegedly displaying and selling wares on roads, pedestrian walkways, drainage channels and other unauthorized public spaces.

Those arraigned include Hammed Jokotola, Bolanrewaju Ilman, Bosede Ajengiy, Sanni Sheu, Ramat Adewale, Abosede Aminat, Sauda Kunle, Akinlolu Mariam, Bilikisu Omotosho, Oriyomi Osuolale, Akuntomide Oyindamola, Oyetusi Precious, Itabessey Kehinde, Precious Kevin, Yomis Eze, Habeeb Lawal and Mr. Afeez, among others.

The court sentenced some of the defendants to three months’ imprisonment with an option of ₦30,000 fine. Others were granted bail in the sum of ₦200,000 with one surety each. The sureties are required to provide traceable addresses and valid means of identification.

Matters involving defendants granted bail were adjourned to September 11, 2026 for hearing.

The arraignment followed sustained sensitization and enforcement operations by OYRLEA to discourage trading on roads, walkways and drainage channels, despite repeated warnings and previous enforcement exercises.

Speaking at the scene on behalf of the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), the Chief of Staff to the Chairperson, Kofoworola Akinbode, Esq., said the mobile court became necessary to bring sanity to market environments and reinforce the Authority’s commitment to the rule of law.

She noted that the exercise was designed to demonstrate that government warnings and sensitization would be followed by decisive enforcement where violations persist.

The Chief of Staff reaffirmed that OYRLEA remains committed to protecting public spaces and ensuring that residents and traders comply with existing laws and regulations.

Some market users also commended the initiative. Esther Opara and Rebecca Quzeem said the persistent display of goods on roads had made movement difficult for pedestrians and motorists and contributed to avoidable accidents and safety concerns.
They stressed the need to provide designated trading stalls and ensure that market activities are conducted within approved spaces to safeguard lives and property.

The latest action demonstrates OYRLEA’s resolve to enforce compliance with environmental and public-space regulations across Ibadan.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to combining sensitization with enforcement and judicial action where necessary to promote a safer, cleaner and more orderly environment for residents, traders and other road users.

E – Signed:
Honourable Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.)
Chairperson
Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA

……Trailer-load of laterite, gravel and excavator impounded as authorities move to protect agricultural assets ……

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and security operatives, has carried out a joint enforcement operation at Akufo Farm Settlement in Ido Local Government Area, following reports of alleged illegal sand excavation on the farm.

The operation was prompted by concerns over the unauthorized excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from agricultural land under the management of OYSADA.

Upon arrival, the enforcement team intercepted a trailer fully loaded with laterite and gravel as it was leaving the settlement. The vehicle was immediately stopped and impounded. Five suspects allegedly connected to the excavation activities were also arrested.

During an inspection of the area, the team discovered multiple points of suspected illegal excavation, with some located within existing plantations. The scale of the excavation showed significant impact on the agricultural land.

Of particular concern was a cassava plantation where mature cassava crops reportedly ready for harvest had been destroyed and left to waste as a result of the excavation. This underscores the potential threat posed by such activities to agricultural production and food security.

The team also impounded an excavator believed to have been used for the excavation and loading of laterite and gravel. The operator was, however, not found at the scene. Freshly prepared food and other personal belongings were found around the abandoned equipment, suggesting that the operator may have fled shortly before or upon sighting the enforcement team.

According to one of the farmers in the settlement, not less than 50 trailer-loads of laterite and gravel were allegedly being excavated and removed from the farm daily. This raises concerns about the scale of the activities and their potential impact on the agricultural development objectives of the farm settlement.

The authorities stressed that the unauthorized excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from government agricultural land is unlawful and constitutes a serious threat to the proper utilization, preservation, and development of the farm settlement.

The five suspects, whose identities are being withheld, have been detained at the Amotekun Corps Divisional Headquarters in Ido Local Government Area, pending further investigation and their subsequent arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.

OYRLEA and OYSADA have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting government agricultural assets, enforcing compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and preventing activities capable of undermining the State’s agricultural development initiatives.

E – Signed:
Honourable Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi Rtd.
Chairperson,
Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA)

…Impounds Goods, Warns Traders Against Trading on Roads, Walkways and Drainages

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, in collaboration with security operatives, has intensified enforcement against street trading and the illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija, and Ojoo markets in Ibadan.

The operation, which was carried out during the official closing hours of yesterday became necessary towards ensuring compliance with the laws regulating trading activities, the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces in the state.

The enforcement followed observations that many traders still display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and road setbacks, despite the provision of adequate market facilities by the Oyo State Government.

The Authority expressed concern over the continued disregard for designated trading spaces, noting that government-provided markets were meant to enable legitimate business without encroaching on roads and public spaces.

During the exercise, the Authority impounded substantial quantities of goods, both perishable and non-perishable, from locations where trading violated the law.

OYRLEA stressed that the exercise was not to frustrate legitimate business owners , but ensuring that traders operate within legal boundaries while safeguarding the rights of motorists, pedestrians, and the general public.

Consequently, the Authority called on market men and women to desist from trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and setbacks, and to utilize the designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

OYRLEA further warned that enforcement would be sustained across the affected markets and other parts of the state until there is significant compliance with Oyo State laws.

The Authority urged traders and members of the public to cooperate with enforcement personnel, adding that maintaining orderly markets and accessible public spaces remains a collective responsibility.

E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.
3rd September, 2026.