The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has issued a fresh 14-day compliance notice to Durantee Farm Limited, Challenge, Ibadan, over its failure to comply with environmental directives earlier issued to the company.

The notice was served by OYRLEA, in collaboration with health officers from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

The joint-team carried out a follow-up inspection on February 9, 2026, after the expiration of a 21-day Notice to Abate Nuisance previously served on the company on November 10, 2025, over alleged environmental violations.

The earlier enforcement notice was reportedly issued due to improper wastewater management and the discharge of untreated effluents into public water bodies.

During the latest inspection, enforcement officers observed that the company had not commenced any visible corrective action on the identified infractions, particularly the reconstruction, structural modification and covering of its open Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).

Responding to the observations, the Human Resources and Administration Manager of the company, Alhaji Ebunade Oloyeede, told the inspection team that the firm had engaged a consultant to prepare plans for upgrading the facility.

He further disclosed that the company had written to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources seeking approval for the proposed upgrade, but claimed that no response had been received, which he cited as the reason for the delay.

Following this, OYRLEA directed the company to report to the Authority within the stipulated period with verifiable evidence of the consultant’s engagement, project drawings, and proof of submission of its letter to the ministry.

The Authority warned that failure to comply within the 14-day window would attract further enforcement action in line with relevant environmental and public health laws of Oyo State.

OYRLEA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental standards and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents across the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…screens Over 300 JP Applicants

The Oyo State Government has urged Justices of the Peace (JPs) to remain fair and impartial in handling minor disputes within their communities, while also avoiding interference in criminal cases beyond their jurisdiction.

The call was made by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ayodeji Abiodun Aikomo, Esq., who spoke on  the recent screening of over 300 applicants for the honorary Justice of the Peace title, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The two-day exercise was designed to ensure that only competent and credible individuals are selected to serve as JPs. The role, according to the Commissioner, is vital to strengthening grassroots justice by mediating minor disputes, promoting peace, and serving as moral guides in communities.

Addressing newsmen after the screening, Hon. Aikomo emphasized integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality as the core values expected of Justices of the Peace.

“Uphold integrity, act without bias, maintain confidentiality, and serve with fairness. Do not take sides in disputes, do not exploit the position for personal gain, and do not interfere in criminal cases beyond your jurisdiction,” he cautioned.

He further stressed that the JP title is not for prestige but a call to serve with honour, fairness, and responsibility.

Highlighting the functions of JPs, the Commissioner explained that they are expected to “promote peace and order in their communities, mediate minor civil disputes, and support legal processes by witnessing affidavits and other legal documents.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of the Citizens Mediation Centre, Mrs. Adeola Ige Adeleke, encouraged applicants to study the Justice of Peace manuals to gain deeper knowledge of their roles. Similarly, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Fatimo Yusuf, reiterated that the JP role is fundamentally about “making peace, building harmony, and supporting justice based on truth.”

The screening panel, comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and related agencies, assessed applicants based on integrity, community service, and understanding of JP responsibilities.

The exercise reflects Oyo State Government’s commitment to deepening access to justice at the grassroots and ensuring fairness in the resolution of minor disputes. Successful applicants will be formally conferred with the honorary JP title after due diligence is completed.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.