The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said his administration will be remembered for establishing institutions to promote good governance and sustain the rule of law beyond his tenure.
Makinde spoke on Thursday during the commissioning of the headquarters of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLA), where he emphasized the importance of institution-building alongside physical infrastructure.
He said his administration had established several agencies to strengthen governance, promote accountability, and ensure continuity in public service delivery.
“I believe that this administration will be remembered for the institutions that we have created that will ensure good governance beyond the tenure of this administration,” he said.
The governor listed OYRLA, the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYSA-MSED), the Project Performance Monitoring Agency, Amotekun Corps, the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency and the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency among the institutions established by his administration.
He expressed confidence that the agencies would continue to serve the state regardless of changes in government.
“These are institutions that we did not meet on the ground, but we have created, and those institutions will guarantee good governance,” the governor said.
Makinde added: “In Oyo State, we believe we don’t need strong men; we need strong institutions.”
He described the rule of law as central to good governance, noting that society could not function effectively without respect for citizens’ rights and impartial enforcement of the law.
“At the heart of good governance is the rule of law. If you cannot have a society where people know their rights, you can hardly have anything,” he said.
The governor said impartial law enforcement by security agencies would promote order, attract investment, stimulate economic growth and improve residents’ quality of life.
He commended the Oyo State House of Assembly for passing the law establishing OYRLA, describing the commissioning of its headquarters as another step towards strengthening the authority.
Makinde also praised the chairperson of the authority, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, for her professionalism and suitability for the position.
Recalling their earlier differences over a court judgment concerning the dissolution of local government administrations following his election in 2019, the governor said subsequent interactions had helped him appreciate her character and professional integrity.
He said his decision to appoint her was based on her capacity to contribute to the state’s development rather than personal considerations.
“When it was time for me to appoint a chairperson for this Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, it didn’t take me any time to settle on her,” he said.
“The decision was strictly based on who can help Oyo State to drive this. And today, this is a testimony that we did not make a wrong decision.”
The governor subsequently commissioned the headquarters, challenging the authority to strengthen professionalism and promote adherence to the rule of law across the state.
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Earlier, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the commissioning demonstrated the state’s commitment to building strong public institutions and promoting lawful conduct.
Ogundoyin recalled a conversation with Makinde about the legacy he hoped to leave, saying the governor had identified institution-building as a major priority.
“I remember he spoke about building and strengthening institutions in Oyo State. Your Excellency, I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate you on that target,” he said.
The Speaker said the establishment of OYRLA highlighted the importance of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government in strengthening public institutions.
He noted that the Assembly passed the law establishing the authority in February 2024, adding that its responsibilities included enforcing state laws on environmental protection, sanitation, waste control, traffic management, open rearing and grazing, among other matters.
Ogundoyin urged the authority to discharge its duties transparently and responsibly, stressing that public confidence depended on lawful conduct, consistent enforcement and accountability.
“I therefore urge the authority to discharge its mandate responsibly and transparently, recognising that public confidence is earned through lawful conduct, consistent enforcement and accountability,” he said.
He also urged the authority to digitise its newly unveiled maiden magazine to improve access to information about relevant state laws.
“Beyond documenting the authority’s activities, the publication should educate residents on their rights and responsibilities, explain relevant state laws and promote responsible citizenship,” he said.
Ogundoyin suggested that the publication could be sustained through digital platforms, including a weekly newsletter, to promote public awareness and voluntary compliance with the law.
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the rule of law while ensuring through its constitutional oversight responsibilities that public institutions operate within the limits of their enabling laws.
In her remarks, OYRLA chairperson, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, said the new headquarters would provide a more conducive working environment, improve coordination with stakeholders and strengthen the authority’s capacity to enforce state laws.
She said the authority, established following the enactment of its enabling law in 2024, remained committed to professionalism, diligence and respect for fundamental rights.
Aderemi listed environmental protection, enforcement of regulations against environmental pollution, open rearing and grazing, street trading and obstruction of public spaces among the authority’s areas of intervention.
She said OYRLA had collaborated with ministries, departments and agencies, security agencies, traditional institutions and local government authorities to promote compliance with the law and address issues affecting public order.
According to her, the authority’s approach to enforcement was not solely punitive but also involved public enlightenment, cooperation and the promotion of voluntary compliance.
“Enforcement must be carried out within the framework of the law, and with due regard for the rights and dignity of all persons,” she said.
On the enforcement of the state’s open rearing and grazing regulations, Aderemi said the authority had continued to engage traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies, and other stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence among farmers, herders and other residents.
She described the commissioning of the headquarters as a milestone in the authority’s development, expressing confidence that the facility would improve efficiency, professionalism, and accountability.
“What you have been doing before is not enough. This will give us more energy to be able to perform more,” she said, urging personnel to intensify their efforts.
Aderemi assured residents that the authority would continue to uphold justice, fairness, transparency and accountability while working towards a safer, cleaner and more orderly state.
She thanked the state government, the House of Assembly, the Ministry of Justice, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their support.
The event also featured the unveiling of the authority’s maiden magazine and was attended by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, government officials, security and paramilitary service commanders, and other stakeholders.
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