Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 on Friday, aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations, and improving traffic management across the state. The order comes amid heightened security concerns following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Council.
Restrictions on Commercial Motorcycles
The executive order imposes restrictions on commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as okada. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Ibadan, Makinde stated that the order provides a legal framework for strict enforcement of vehicle registration laws and traffic regulations. He expressed concern over the increasing use of unregistered vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles in criminal activities, noting that the absence of registration details often hampers investigations by security agencies.
Under the directive, commercial motorcycle operators are prohibited from operating between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. daily. The governor said this measure is part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities, enhance surveillance, and improve public safety.
Enforcement and Prosecution
Makinde stated that the order empowers designated enforcement authorities to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles operating in violation of the law. Offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with existing legal provisions, while confiscated assets will be handled through due process.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, explained that enforcement will be carried out by relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force, and other law enforcement bodies. These agencies will submit periodic reports on enforcement activities to the state government, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will provide oversight for prosecutions.
Response to Abductions
Makinde linked the new measures to lessons drawn from recent security breaches, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Council. He said, “We are living through very trying times. For more than 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty.”
The governor assured residents that his administration remains committed to securing the safe return of the victims, with ongoing efforts in collaboration with relevant security agencies. He acknowledged the anguish of affected families and insisted that the victims have not been forgotten or abandoned.
Call for Public Cooperation
Makinde called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities, describing security as a collective responsibility. “If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, urging residents to use the state’s toll-free emergency line 615 to report security threats.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, united, and resilient in the face of security challenges, warning against allowing fear to undermine social cohesion. The governor commended security agencies and operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) for their commitment and professionalism.
Transparency and Accountability
Aikomo added that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure transparency and accountability, including channels for the public to report misconduct by enforcement officials. Dignitaries present at the event included Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Special Adviser on Security CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), Executive Assistant on Security CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), Chairman of OYRTMA Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), and heads of relevant security and traffic management agencies.
