OYRTMA Chairman Warns Officers Against Extortion, Threatens Sanction

…As Adesagba says officers found guilty of extortion, intimidation or misconduct will face disciplinary action

The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), has warned officers and commanders of the agency against extortion, intimidation and other forms of unprofessional conduct in the discharge of their duties.

Adesagba gave the warning while addressing commanders across the state at the agency’s administrative headquarters in Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan, where he directed them to ensure that their subordinates conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the integrity of OYRTMA.

The chairman said the agency had received allegations of extortion against some of its officers, stressing that members of the public were increasingly monitoring their activities and gathering evidence of alleged misconduct.

He disclosed that the agency is investigating a social media allegation involving OYRTMA officers deployed at Olomi, Ibadan. According to him, the development had prompted management to further caution officers and personnel against acts capable of tarnishing the agency’s image.

Adesagba warned that any officer caught engaging in extortion, intimidation or other acts contrary to the Civil Service rules would face appropriate disciplinary action, saying he would not interfere with the process or shield erring personnel.

He said the agency had also commenced closer monitoring of its officers, with selected personnel assigned to gather information on their conduct while on duty.

He added that he and the agency’s provost would personally monitor operations across the state to ensure compliance with professional standards.

The OYRTMA chairman also cautioned commanders against failing to supervise their subordinates, noting that commanders would be held accountable for the activities of officers working under their supervision.

He urged officers to remember that OYRTMA was established to serve the public by ensuring free flow of traffic and reducing road crashes, rather than exploiting motorists for personal gain.

Adesagba further advised motorists in Oyo State to obey traffic laws and other relevant regulations, particularly during the school resumption period when there would be increased movement of vehicles and commuters.

He urged motorists to plan their journeys early, avoid traffic violations and report any OYRTMA officer who acts unprofessionally through the agency’s complaint channels or directly to his office.

The chairman assured members of the public that all complaints would be investigated and any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in accordance with extant laws and regulations.