The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has commenced full operations at its permanent headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, with an Environmental Protection Tribunal session in which three defendants faced charges relating to improper refuse disposal and other environmental offences.
The tribunal sitting, held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, was presided over by Kunle Abimbola, Esq. The proceedings marked the commencement of activities at the Authority’s new headquarters.
According to a statement issued by the OYRLEA Chairperson, Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (retd.), the first defendant pleaded guilty to the first count but not guilty to the second and third counts. The second defendant pleaded guilty to all counts, while the third pleaded guilty to the first count and not guilty to the remaining two.
The statement said penalties were fixed at ₦30,000 for the first count, ₦20,000 for the second count and ₦10,000 for the third count, in line with applicable environmental laws.
Speaking after the proceedings, Aderemi described the commencement of operations at the new headquarters as a call for greater responsibility, urging officers and staff to intensify enforcement and ensure compliance with relevant laws across the state.
She also charged personnel to uphold discipline, professionalism and high ethical standards, adding that regular training and retraining would be introduced to improve operational efficiency.
The chairperson said OYRLEA would extend its operations beyond Ibadan to all local government areas and geopolitical zones of Oyo State, with particular attention to markets, roads, public spaces and environmental sanitation.
Later in the day, the Authority held a dedicatory prayer meeting at the conference hall of the new headquarters, attended by members of its Board of Directors, management and staff.
The General Overseer of Riverside Victory International Christian Ministry, Reverend Joseph K. Afolabi, urged the workforce to regard their responsibilities as a call to serve humanity and promote justice. He also emphasised unity, love and cooperation in carrying out the Authority’s mandate.
Afolabi offered prayers for the protection of OYRLEA personnel during enforcement operations, as well as for the unity and progress of the Authority, peace and sustainable development in Oyo State, and the state government under Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Authority said the commencement of operations at its permanent headquarters reflected its commitment to enforcing environmental and public order laws and promoting a cleaner, safer and more orderly Oyo State.
