Makinde: Successor Governments Won’t Find It Easy To Scrap Oyo Institutions

By Victoria Isaac 

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 promote 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 would be remembered for establishing institutions that did not exist in the state before 2019.

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

The governor maintained that any administration genuinely committed to the state’s progress would preserve these institutions rather than seek to dismantle them.

He challenged future governments to attempt scrapping the agencies, expressing confidence that their roles in promoting good governance and institutional stability would make them difficult to discard.

Speaking on the importance of the rule of law, Makinde said effective law enforcement and respect for citizens’ rights were essential to maintaining order, attracting investment and improving 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 added that his administration’s legacy would extend beyond infrastructure projects to include institutions designed to sustain good governance beyond his tenure.

He also commended the chairperson of OYRLEA, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, for her dedication to upholding the rule of law.

The governor acknowledged that they had disagreed on certain issues but said he had no regrets appointing her to lead the Authority during its formative years.

Ogundoyin Highlights OYRLEA’s Mandate

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, congratulated OYRLEA on its achievements since its establishment.

He said the passage of the law establishing the Authority reflected the Assembly’s commitment to enacting legislation that addresses practical needs, strengthens public order and promotes effective governance.

Ogundoyin highlighted the Authority’s responsibility for enforcing laws relating to environmental protection, sanitation, waste control, road traffic management, open rearing and grazing, and other related matters.

He described these responsibilities as critical to the state’s development and urged the Authority to discharge its duties responsibly and transparently.

The Speaker also called on residents, community leaders, business owners, motorists, traders and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Authority in carrying out its mandate.

Earlier, OYRLEA chairperson, retired Justice Aderemi, described the commissioning of the new office complex and the unveiling of the Authority’s maiden magazine as significant milestones.

She said the achievements reflected collective efforts to strengthen law enforcement, protect the environment, maintain public order and promote the rule of law in Oyo State.

Aderemi disclosed that the Authority 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 aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among farmers, herders and the wider public.

She commended Makinde for his continued support and the state House of Assembly for providing the legislative framework that established the Authority.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Badejoko Adeniji; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; and Chief of Staff, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole.

Others included the 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.