The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with some security agencies, carried out a joint enforcement operation to stop illegal parking, loading and transport activities around St. Mary’s Cathedral, Oke-Padre, Ibadan.
The exercise was carried out with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) and the Nigeria Police Force.
Essence of the joint operation at St. Mary’s Cathedral
The operation followed a formal petition submitted to the Authority, alleging that commercial transport operators had repeatedly occupied the frontage of St. Mary’s Cathedral, despite several warnings and engagements by relevant authorities.
It was further stated in the that the activities of the operators obstructed access to the church, caused traffic congestion, disrupted worship activities and posed security and safety concerns to worshippers and members of the public.
During the exercise, enforcement officers successfully cleared the area of unauthorised transport activities and restored order within the Cathedral’s vicinity.
A total of six vehicles, comprising four commercial buses and two Nissan Micra taxis, were impounded for various traffic and environmental violations.
The operation, however, encountered some resistance from a few transport operators who attempted to obstruct the exercise and incite disorder.
Their actions briefly created tension in the area, however, security personnel acted promptly and professionally to restore calm and maintain law and order.
The operation was eventually concluded successfully without any major incident.
Reacting to the development, Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), condemned the persistent disregard for the law and public order exhibited by the public transport operators.
She stressed that places of worship deserve respect and should not be converted into unauthorised motor parks at the expense of worshippers and other road users.
“The Authority will not stand by while a few individuals hold the public to ransom and undermine the sanctity of our places of worship.
“The frontage of St. Mary’s Cathedral is not a motor park. This enforcement action is not a one-off exercise, it will be sustained until full compliance is achieved across the state,” she said.
Justice Aderemi also commended officers of OYRTMA, Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the OYRLEA Enforcement Team for their professionalism, dedication and effective collaboration throughout the operation.
She noted that inter-agency cooperation remained essential to ensuring effective law enforcement and maintaining public order.
She restated that the enforcement exercise was conducted in line with the Authority’s statutory mandate to uphold the rule of law and protect public infrastructure.
She added that it was to ensure public safety and safeguard the rights of residents and worshippers to carry out their lawful activities without obstruction.
OYRLEA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing relevant laws across Oyo State, warning individuals and groups against the unauthorised occupation of public spaces, illegal parking and transport activities that constitute a nuisance or threat to public peace and order.
