By Modupe Bankole
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at regulating the activities of house agents in the state, following rising complaints of extortion and exploitative practices.
Ogundoyin made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, chaired by Prince Adebowale Falana. The meeting, held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, brought together representatives of registered youth organisations and associations across the state.
During the interactive session, youths expressed concern over the increasing rate of extortion by house agents, noting that unregulated charges and sharp practices have made access to housing more difficult for residents of the state.
Reacting, the Speaker disclosed that the Oyo State House of Assembly would set up a committee to draft a bill that would regulate the activities of house agents and curb their excesses. He assured stakeholders that the proposed legislation would be concluded and forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde for assent before the end of the first quarter of the year.
Hon. Ogundoyin said the bill would demonstrate the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the menace of extortion, protect residents from exploitation and restore sanity to the housing sector. He added that the move would bring relief to residents who have long complained about the unregulated practices of house agents in the state.
Ogundoyin, who described himself as a representative and voice of young people in governance, also called for deliberate investment in modern skill acquisition centres to better position youths for self-reliance in today’s challenging economic environment.
He further urged youths to shun social vices such as cybercrime, ritual practices and other destructive behaviours, stressing that such acts undermine their future prospects and tarnish the image of Oyo State.
