The Oyo State House of Assembly has announced plans to introduce a law aimed at ending the rampant extortion and exploitation by house agents in the state.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, revealed the development at the maiden annual stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.
The event, held at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, brought together representatives of registered youth organisations and associations across the state.
During the interactive session, youth leaders raised concerns about the increasing rate of extortion by house agents, noting that unregulated practices had made housing access difficult and unaffordable for many residents.
Responding to the concerns, Ogundoyin said the House would set up a committee to draft a bill that will regulate the activities of house agents and curb their excesses.
He assured stakeholders that the proposed legislation would be completed and sent to Governor Seyi Makinde for assent before the end of the first quarter of the year.
“This bill will demonstrate how serious the leadership of the House is about addressing the extortion by house agents. It will protect residents from exploitation and bring long-awaited relief to the people,” Ogundoyin said.
The Speaker also described himself as a representative and voice of young people in governance, urging the government to invest in modern skill acquisition centres to ensure youth self-reliance.
He warned young people against engaging in social vices such as cybercrime and ritual practices, saying such acts undermine their future and tarnish the image of the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, praised the Speaker for his support for youth-oriented initiatives and progressive legislation.
Falana also disclosed that Governor Makinde has approved the reconstruction of the agency’s new building to accommodate offices for youth organisations, alongside a hall for events and recreational activities.
He added that the agency has lined up programmes for 2026, including the Mic and Mix competition and a New Year concert headlined by Afrobeat star Olamide Baddo, aimed at boosting the state’s creative economy.
Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman Cephas, Hon. Owolabi Olushola, Hon. Modiu Akande Opeyemi, and Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola.
Youth groups represented at the meeting included ARSOYOC, NYCN, NYC, PROTAAN, Association of Entertainment Stakeholders, Oke-Ogun Youth Solidarity Forum, Federation of Boys and Girls, Coalition of Yoruba Youth Movement, and the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.
