Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations and improving traffic management across the state.
The governor also announced a statewide restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, prohibiting their activities between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
Makinde signed the order on Friday at his office, describing the move as a necessary step to address security challenges and ensure compliance with existing vehicle registration and traffic laws.
According to the governor, unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly been used in the commission of crimes, making it difficult for security agencies to track suspects and conduct investigations due to the absence of identifiable registration details.
He said the executive order provides a legal framework for the strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and traffic regulations, including measures against driving against traffic and other related offences.
Makinde disclosed that designated enforcement authorities have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles found to be in violation of the order.
He added that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets and properties would be handled through established legal procedures.
The governor linked the new measures to recent security incidents in the state, particularly the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area, who have remained in captivity for more than 20 days.
“We are living through very trying times. For over 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and with their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” Makinde said.
He assured residents that his administration remained committed to securing the safe return of the victims and was working closely with security agencies to achieve that objective.
“As a government, we share in their anxiety and their hope, and we remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” he added.
Makinde acknowledged the pain being experienced by affected families and communities, stressing that the abducted teachers and pupils had not been forgotten or abandoned.
While declining to disclose operational details, he maintained that extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged residents not to interpret the government’s silence as inaction.
As part of the security measures, the governor announced that commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be permitted to operate during the restricted hours, describing the decision as a strategy to curb criminal activities and improve surveillance across communities.
He also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities and movements.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, reminding residents to use the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, to report security threats and emergencies.
Makinde further urged residents to remain vigilant, united and resilient despite current security challenges, warning against allowing fear to disrupt communal harmony and confidence.
The governor commended security agencies and members of the Amotekun Corps for their dedication and professionalism in responding to security threats across the state.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among security agencies, community leaders and residents would lead to the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils while further strengthening security in Oyo State.
Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority and the Nigeria Police Force, would enforce the order and submit periodic reports to the state government.
Aikomo added that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would oversee prosecutions arising from enforcement activities, while members of the public would be encouraged to report any misconduct by officials involved in implementing the order.
Dignitaries present at the signing ceremony included Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Musibaudeen Babatunde; Special Adviser on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro; and Chairman of OYRTMA, Sunday Odukoya, alongside other senior security and road management officials.
