Oyo State Seizes Six Vehicles Over Illegal Parking

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, along with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, the Amotekun Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force, has carried out an operation to tackle illegal parking and transport activities around St. Mary’s Cathedral in Oke-Padre, Ibadan.

This information came from a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, which was shared with journalists in Ibadan on Friday.

Oyelade explained that the operation followed a formal complaint. The complaint claimed that commercial transport operators had taken over the area in front of the Cathedral despite previous warnings from the authorities.

The commissioner said the complaint also noted that these activities blocked access to the church, caused traffic jams, disrupted worship, and raised safety concerns for worshippers and the public.

"During the operation, enforcement officers cleared the area of illegal transport activities and restored order near the Cathedral. A total of six vehicles were seized for various traffic and environmental issues, including four commercial buses and two Micra taxis," he said.

He mentioned that some transport operators resisted the operation, trying to disrupt the efforts and create chaos, which led to a brief tense situation in the area.

"However, security personnel acted quickly and professionally to calm things down and maintain order. The operation was finished successfully without any serious incidents," the commissioner added.

In response, the Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi (retd.), criticized the ongoing disrespect for the law and public order shown by the transport operators. She emphasized that places of worship should be respected and not turned into illegal motor parks, harming worshippers and other road users.

"The Authority will not sit back while a few people disrupt public peace and undermine the sanctity of our places of worship. The area in front of St. Mary’s Cathedral is not a motor park. This enforcement action is not just a one-time thing; it will continue until full compliance is achieved across the State," she stated.

Justice Aderemi also praised the officers from OYRTMA, the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and the OYRLEA Enforcement Team for their professionalism and teamwork during the operation. She mentioned that cooperation between agencies is key to effective law enforcement and maintaining public order.

She reiterated that the operation was in line with the Authority’s duty to uphold the law, protect public property, ensure safety, and allow residents and worshippers to carry out their activities without being disturbed.

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing laws across the state. They warned individuals and groups against taking over public spaces and participating in illegal parking and transport activities that disturb public peace and order.