In a decisive move to restore urban order and safeguard public welfare, the Oyo State Government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on street trading and open grazing across major cities and rural communities in the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde, speaking through the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Abiodun Oni, emphasized that the enforcement is part of a broader initiative to reclaim public spaces, reduce traffic congestion, and prevent environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate trading and uncontrolled livestock movement.
“We are committed to building a cleaner, safer, and more organized Oyo State. Street trading and open grazing have posed serious threats to public safety, sanitation, and economic productivity. This crackdown is not punitive—it is corrective,” Hon. Oni stated.
The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and local government councils, has begun clearing illegal stalls, kiosks, and roadside markets in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and other urban centers. Traders have been advised to relocate to designated markets to avoid confiscation of goods and possible prosecution.
In line with the Anti-Open Grazing Law passed in 2021, the government has intensified surveillance and enforcement against herders who allow cattle to roam freely in urban and agricultural zones. Mobile enforcement units have been deployed to monitor compliance, and violators will face fines, livestock seizure, or legal action.
The government urges residents, traders, and herders to cooperate with enforcement agencies and embrace the new order. Citizens are encouraged to report violations via the state’s environmental hotline and mobile app.
“This is not just about enforcement—it’s about transformation. We are building a future where commerce thrives in structured environments and agriculture evolves through sustainable practices,” Governor Makinde affirmed.