Following the expiration of 14 days ultimatum given to traders and owners, Oyo State Government yesterday began the demolition of illegally-built structures, including shops, kiosks, etc. on roadsides, setbacks and walkways across Ibadan.
The development followed an eviction notice served on the affected owners on October 13, which lapsed on Monday.
This is besides a reminder notice, which was communicated to the concerned traders last week, serving as a period of grace for them to do the needful.
However, following the expiration of the grace period, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with other sister agencies, on Monday proceeded with the demolition of the illegal structures on the road setbacks and walkways.
Other agents involved in the exercise included officials from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Oyo State Road Management Authority (OYRTMA), Environmental Task Force Officials, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and other state security operatives.
The Joint Enforcement Team led by DCP Francis Ojomo (Rtd) and the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Mrs Iyabo Akinbode, started the demolition and evacuation from Airport Junction, en route to Alakia-Adegbayi, towards Old Ife Road, to remove structures as iron containers, erected and mobile kiosks, as well as goods and other illegal structures.
Commenting on the exercise, OYRLEA Chairperson, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), said OYRLEA, in its core responsibilities, must ensure a sane, clean and safer environment at all times.
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She said the enforcement to uphold the Rule of Law needed to be intensified, adding: “Our environment ought to be welcoming and safe for investors, thus appealing to all and sundry. This has always been the desire of our people-oriented governor, Seyi Makinde, on whose mandate we operate.’’
She noted: “The evacuation of illegal structures and containers on the road setbacks and walkways on these routes, ahead of the inauguration of the International Airport, remains a must, subsequent to an eviction notice earlier served, and importantly, the sensitisation and awareness jingle on radio stations.
“Acting on the state government’s directive, roadside traders and those selling in containers on Airport Road, Old Ife Road and Onipepeye areas of Ibadan have exhausted the grace to relocate their trades within the stipulated period of time, hence a continuum of the eviction.’’