No Serious Govt Can Scrap Institutions We Created In Oyo – Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged future administrations to sustain the institutions established by his government, saying any administration that genuinely cares about the state would not attempt to dismantle them.

Makinde spoke on Thursday while commissioning the new office complex of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), saying his administration would be remembered for establishing agencies that did not exist before he assumed office in 2019.

He listed OYRLEA, the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), the Project Performance Monitoring Agency, the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socioeconomic Development (OYMASED) and the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) among the institutions created to strengthen governance and promote development.

The governor challenged any future government to attempt scrapping the agencies, insisting that they were established to ensure continuity, stability and effective governance beyond his tenure.

He said the rule of law remained central to good governance, adding that respect for people’s rights and unbiased law enforcement could promote order, attract investors and improve the economy.

“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.

The governor also commended the chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), for her commitment to the Authority, noting that he had no regrets appointing her despite disagreements they had experienced at certain points.

In his goodwill message, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the legislation establishing OYRLEA reflected the Assembly’s commitment to addressing practical needs and strengthening public order.

Ogundoyin said the Authority was responsible for enforcing state laws on environmental protection, sanitation, waste control, road traffic management, open rearing and grazing, among other related matters.

He urged the agency to discharge its responsibilities transparently and called on residents, community leaders, business owners, motorists and traders to cooperate with its operations.

Earlier, OYRLEA chairperson Aderemi described the commissioning of the new office complex and the unveiling of the Authority’s maiden magazine as milestones in efforts to strengthen law enforcement and promote the rule of law in the state.

She said the Authority had intensified enforcement of the state’s open rearing and grazing regulation through monitoring, public enlightenment and collaboration with traditional institutions, local governments and security agencies.

Aderemi said the efforts were aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers, herders and the wider public, while thanking Makinde and the House of Assembly for their support.