Oyo Lawmaker, Waheed Akintayo seeks more security measures in Hotels, Restaurants, and Guest Houses across the State*

…..moves for consideration of Amendment to Oyo State Hospitality and Tourism Law 2020.

The Oyo State House of Assembly at its Plenary today urged the Executive Arm of Government to implement a standardised guest registration process that includes valid identification verification and the maintenance of up – to – date guest logs accessible to authorised personnel into hotels and guesthouses across the State.

This was part of resolves on a motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Oluyole State constituency, Hon. Waheed Akintayo , Co- sponsored by Hon. Rasak Mabaje and Hon. Mrs. Olubisi Michael of Ido and Ogbomosho North State constituency, respectively.

Presenting the motion at the Plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, the mover of the motion, revealed that hotels are increasingly being used by fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo Boys,” who conduct cybercrime and sextortion schemes within the establishment.

“Investigation has shown that some fraudsters deliberately reside in hotels for extended periods to operate undetected.”

“These criminals exploit the anonymity of hotels, where poor guest registration and monitoring system allow them to evade law enforcement.”

Hon. Akintayo noted that the significant number of hotels and guest houses in Ibadan and across Oyo State are not duly registered with the Government despite the rapid expansion of the hospitality sector.

He added that the lack of adequate registration makes it difficult for regulatory agencies to track establishment in operation, enforce security standards , and ensure compliance with necessary regulations.

“Mandatory registration and periodic renewal will enable the Government to monitor these businesses effectively and enforce security measures where needed.” The motion stated

The House has however directed its Standing Committee on Security and Strategies and its counterpart from Culture and Tourism to engage all relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Oyo State Hotels Owners Association and deliberate on the measures to put in place in curbing the menace of insecurity in Hotels and Guest Houses across the State.