Oyo Government Enforces Evacuation, Begins Demolition of Illegal Structures Along Major Roads

Oyo Government Enforces Evacuation, Begins Demolition of Illegal Structures Along Major Roads

The Oyo State Government has begun the demolition of illegal structures encroaching on road reserves across Ibadan and other parts of the state, following the expiration of eviction notices earlier issued to affected traders and occupants.

The 14-day eviction notice, which was served on Monday, October 13, 2025, expired on October 27. It was followed by a reminder notice issued last week, granting a final grace period for compliance before the enforcement commenced.

On Monday, officials of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), Environmental Task Force, the Nigeria Police, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies, began clearing illegal structures on designated routes.

The joint enforcement operation, led by DCP Francis Ojomo (Rtd.) and Mrs. Iyabo Akinbode, Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, started from Airport Junction through Alakia–Adegbayi to Old Ife Road. The team demolished and evacuated iron containers, kiosks, makeshift shops, and goods obstructing the right of way.

Speaking on the exercise, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

“Our environment must be welcoming and safe for investors. This has always been the utmost desire of our people-oriented Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on whose mandate we operate,” she stated.

Justice Aderemi added that the exercise was crucial ahead of the planned commissioning of the Ibadan International Airport, stressing that the government had given sufficient notice and public sensitization through radio announcements and other media platforms.

She urged roadside traders and container operators along Airport Road, Old Ife Road, and Onipepeye areas to comply fully with the relocation directive, warning that the grace period had elapsed.

OYRLEA warned that traders or operators who return to the cleared setbacks or walkways would face prosecution, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on environmental law violations.

The Authority advised residents to see the ongoing enforcement as a final opportunity to comply with government directives.

E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner for Information, Oyo State
November 4, 2025