05/09/2026
OYRLEA LAUNCHES MOBILE COURT ENFORCEMENT AT BODIJA MARKET, PROSECUTES TRADERS OVER ILLEGAL STREET TRADING
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 unauthorised 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 a ₦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 sensitisation 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 sensitisation 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 sensitisation 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
4th September, 2026