Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said future administrations will find it difficult to dismantle institutions established by his government, insisting that the agencies were created to strengthen governance and secure the state’s long-term development.
Makinde spoke on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly constructed office complex of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), where he said his administration, which began in 2019, would be remembered for building institutions that did not previously exist.
Among the agencies he listed were the OYRLEA, Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socioeconomic Development (OYMASED) and Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA).
The governor argued that any administration committed to the progress of Oyo State would preserve and strengthen the agencies rather than seek to abolish them.
He challenged future governments to attempt scrapping the institutions, maintaining that they were designed to promote continuity, stability and accountability beyond his tenure.
“At the heart of good governance is the rule of law. When people know their rights and security agencies enforce the law without bias, you have order, investors come in, and the economy improves. That is what we have experienced in Oyo State,” Makinde said.
He added that his administration’s legacy would extend beyond roads and other physical infrastructure to include institutions capable of sustaining good governance after he leaves office.
The governor commended the chairperson of OYRLEA, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, for her commitment to the authority’s mandate and the promotion of the rule of law.
Makinde acknowledged that the pair had disagreed on some issues but said he did not regret appointing her to lead the agency during its formative years.
He described the authority as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement and ensure that public order was maintained through established legal frameworks.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, congratulated the authority on its achievements since its establishment.
Ogundoyin said the Assembly’s decision to pass the law establishing OYRLEA reflected its commitment to enacting legislation that responds to practical needs, promotes public order and supports effective governance.
He said the authority was responsible for enforcing laws covering environmental protection, sanitation, waste control, road traffic management, open rearing and grazing, among other related matters.
The speaker urged the agency to carry out its responsibilities transparently and responsibly, while calling on residents, traditional and community leaders, business owners, motorists and traders to cooperate with its officers.
Earlier, Aderemi described the commissioning of the office complex and the unveiling of the authority’s maiden magazine as significant milestones in its development.
She said the achievements reflected a shared commitment to improving law enforcement, protecting the environment, maintaining public order and advancing the rule of law across the state.
The chairperson disclosed that OYRLEA had intensified enforcement of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law through monitoring, public enlightenment and collaboration with traditional institutions, local governments, security agencies and other stakeholders.
According to her, these efforts are intended to promote peaceful coexistence among farmers, herders and other members of the public.
Aderemi expressed appreciation to Makinde for supporting the authority and commended the House of Assembly for providing the legislative framework for its establishment.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Badejoko Adeniji; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; and Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
Others included the Chief of Staff, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; Head of Service, Dr Adenike Fashina; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal; and Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen, Sikiru Sanda.
Commissioners, members of the Oyo State Elders’ Council and Advisory Council, service commanders, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries were also present.
