The Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations and improving traffic management across the state.
This was as he also announced restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as “Okada” riders.
The development comes amid growing concerns over security challenges in parts of the state, particularly the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in his Office on Friday, Makinde said the executive order was designed to ensure strict compliance with existing laws governing vehicle registration and traffic regulations.
He noted that unregistered vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles have increasingly been used to perpetrate criminal activities within the state.
According to the governor, security agencies often encounter difficulties tracking and investigating crimes involving unregistered vehicles because of the absence of identifiable registration details.
Governor Makinde explained that the executive order would provide a legal framework for the strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and other traffic regulations, including measures against driving against traffic and related offences.
According to him, designated enforcement authorities have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles, or tricycles found violating the provisions of the order.
The governor said offenders apprehended under the executive order would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets and properties would be handled through established legal procedures.
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The governor linked the latest security measures to lessons learnt from recent security breaches, especially the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“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,” He said.
He assured residents that his administration remained fully committed to securing the safe return of all abducted victims and was working relentlessly with relevant 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,” Makinde said.
The governor acknowledged the pain being experienced by the affected families and communities, stressing that the abducted teachers and pupils had neither been forgotten nor abandoned.
While declining to disclose operational details for security reasons, Makinde maintained that extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged residents not to mistake the government’s silence for inaction.
One of the major highlights of the executive order is the restriction placed on commercial motorcycle operations across Oyo State.
Makinde announced that commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be permitted to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. statewide, describing the measure as part of additional efforts to improve security and public safety.
