Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA has held a collaborative meeting with the Chairmen of the Thirty Three Local Government Areas in the State, strategizing on the need for an harmonious and seamless flow of operation towards enforcement drive and prosecutions.

Speaking at the forum under the auspices of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Ademola Ojo, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi (Rtd.) hinted at the Local Government Chairmen on the preparedness of the Authority’s core mandate borne out of its operational roles which is set to cut across the Thirty Three Local Government Areas in the State, thus demanding for cooperation and synergy across the geo-political zones in the State.

Justice Aderemi, on the instruction of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, urged the Chairmen of various local governments to facilitate prompt and steady alternative space for roadside traders in their communities. This will help to forestall accidents and prevent loss of lives, enhance improved healthy environment that will attract an influx of investors for economic growth, she added.

Going further, she said, “the constituted taskforce and Mobile courts will be zoned to LGAs in respect of operational activities.

Petitions by farmers about invaders and destructive acts of perpetrators have reached us times without numbers in our office and these are coming from various geo-political zones which the Authority have promptly prosecuted.

But for the purpose of decentralization, all cases cannot be treated here in Ibadan, hence the need for Mobile courts across the State’s Geo -Political Zones”.

She then calls for support and collaboration to create a conducive working structure and seamless synergy that will accelerate productivity for the Tribunals and the Authority to ensure a safer, cleaner, structured and offence free environment that is devoid of lawlessness.

In his response, the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda gave the assurance of moving the State forward through laudable and progressive initiatives such as the rule of law but requested for ample time to ensure their preparedness.

His counterparts from Olorunsogo, Oluyole, Ibadan S/W, Ogo Oluwa and Ibarapa Central Local Governments, among others raised concerns on some clarifications and incorporating the Local Government Taskforce representatives.

The meeting which took place at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan also had in attendance the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs Oluwaserimii Ajetunmobi.

Opeyemi Ogunniyi

IPRO, OYRLEA