The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to curb illegal street trading in Ibadan with the launch of a coordinated enforcement operation led by the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA). The crackdown aims to address worsening traffic congestion and environmental concerns caused by makeshift roadside markets in key areas of the state capital.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the raids focused on high-traffic zones such as Oritamerin, Gege, Agbeni, and Ogunpa. OYRTMA Chairman Adekoya Adesagba, alongside the agency’s General Manager, Ayoade Adekola, emphasized that the move is necessary to restore order and ensure smooth traffic flow. He added that 12 operators of illegal motor parks in the affected areas had been apprehended and fined.
Adesagba noted that the proliferation of unauthorized markets along roadsides has resulted in severe congestion, environmental pollution, and safety risks for both traders and road users. He urged traders to comply with government directives by relocating to designated markets, stressing that the enforcement measures include the closure of illegal stalls and monetary penalties for violators.
The operation aligns with the state’s broader commitment to improving road safety and reducing accidents. “Our actions are geared towards ensuring the safety of traders, protecting their property, and making the roads safer for everyone,” Adesagba said, highlighting the significant reduction in accidents since the government’s road safety initiatives began.
The Oyo State Government called for cooperation from residents and traders to sustain the progress achieved, reiterating its resolve to maintain cleaner, safer, and more organized public spaces in Ibadan.
