The Oyo State Government has commenced the demolition of structures encroaching on road reserves within the Ibadan metropolis.

This was contained in a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday.

This action followed the 14-day expiration of an eviction notice earlier served by the state government, on Monday, October 13, 2025.

The 14-day eviction notice, which expired on Monday, was followed by a reminder last week, serving as a final grace period for the affected traders to vacate the road setbacks and walkways.

Following the expiration, the state Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Road Transport Management Authority, Environmental Task Force, the Nigeria Police, Amotekun Corps, and other state security operatives, began the demolition on Monday.

The Joint Enforcement Team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Francis Ojomo (retd) and the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabo Akinbode, commenced the demolition and evacuation exercise from Airport Junction, through Alakia–Adegbayi, towards Old Ife Road, clearing iron containers, mobile kiosks, goods, and other illegal structures obstructing the right of way.

Also commenting on the exercise, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd), reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to maintaining a sane, clean, and safe environment across the state.

Aderemi emphasised the importance of intensified enforcement to uphold the Rule of Law, saying “our environment must be welcoming and safe for investors. This has always been the utmost desire of our people-oriented Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on whose mandate we operate.

“The evacuation of illegal structures and containers on road setbacks and walkways along these routes—particularly ahead of the commissioning of the International Airport—is essential.

“This follows the earlier eviction notices and the continuous sensitisation through radio jingles and other media platforms,” she said.

She also urged roadside traders and those operating in containers on Airport Road, Old Ife Road, and Onipepeye areas of Ibadan to comply fully, as the grace period for relocation has elapsed.

OYRLEA boss reiterated that any trader found violating the directive by returning to the cleared setbacks or walkways will be prosecuted.

The authority warned that such violations will be met with zero tolerance, assuring the public of strict enforcement of the State’s environmental laws.Traders were therefore urged to regard the ongoing enforcement as a final opportunity to comply with government directives.