The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has formally commenced full-scale operations at its new permanent headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, with a landmark Environmental Protection Tribunal session and a powerful dedicatory prayer meeting, marking a new chapter in the enforcement of the rule of law in Oyo State.
At the Environmental Protection Tribunal sitting today, October 20, 2026, presided over by Mr. Kunle Abimbola, Esq., three defendants were arraigned for improper refuse disposal and other environmental infractions. The first defendant pleaded guilty to Count One but not guilty to Counts Two and Three; the second pleaded guilty to all counts, while the third pleaded guilty to Count One and not guilty to Counts Two and Three. The Tribunal fixed penalties at ₦30,000 for Count One, ₦20,000 for Count Two and ₦10,000 for Count Three, in line with extant environmental laws.
Speaking after the proceedings, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), F.DRI.F.ICMC, said the commencement of activities at the new headquarters is a call to higher responsibility. She charged officers and staff to be more zealous and proactive in the discharge of their duties.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. The Governor has given us a befitting headquarters and all the resources we need. Now is the time to be on top of our game. We must embrace enforcement with renewed vigour and ensure compliance in every part of this State,” she declared.
Justice Aderemi further charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of work ethics, discipline and professionalism, noting that regular training and retraining would be institutionalized to sharpen operational efficiency.
According to her, OYRLEA will no longer be confined to Ibadan but will extend its operations across all local government areas and geopolitical zones of the state.
“We must go out, we must cover the length and breadth of Oyo State. Markets, roads, public spaces and our environment must reflect order, safety and cleanliness. We cannot afford to fail the people of Oyo State,” she added.
Later in the day, the Authority held an inaugural prayer session at the conference hall of the new headquarters, attended by the Chairperson, members of the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Authority.
The General Overseer of Riverside Victory International Christian Ministry, Reverend Joseph K. Afolabi, delivered a stirring exhortation, urging staff to see their assignment as a divine calling to serve humanity and promote justice.
He admonished the workforce to work in unity, love and with a single mind in pursuit of the Authority’s mandate.
Reverend Afolabi prayed that the Almighty God would continually shield, protect and preserve all officers of the Authority as they go about their enforcement duties.
He also offered fervent prayers for unity and progress of the Authority, for peace and sustainable development in Oyo State, and for the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc., GSSRS.
The combined court session and prayer meeting underscore OYRLEA’s dual resolve to enforce environmental and public order laws without compromise while seeking divine guidance for effective service delivery.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, healthier and more orderly Oyo State.
