The Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Hon. AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju, has cautioned traders, commercial motorists, and Okada riders against obstructing roads and engaging in roadside trading, particularly in the Eleyele axis and other parts of the council.
Hon. Adepoju emphasized that buying and selling near the main road poses serious risks, including accidents and other hazards. He also warned commercial drivers and Okada riders to avoid blocking vehicular movement with their activities, as such behavior endangers both traders and road users.
Speaking in an interview with Oodua News in Ibadan, the council chairman reiterated that those engaging in roadside trading and unauthorized commercial activities face significant risks.
He revealed that efforts are underway to create designated garage spaces for commercial motorists and Okada riders in the Eleyele area. Additionally, he noted that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is working to enhance security and ensure smooth traffic flow.
“To curb the frequent traffic congestion and road accidents in the Eleyele/Ologuneru axis, my administration, in partnership with security agencies, has held several meetings to address these issues. We also visited the Eleyele market for discussions with traders and transport operators. Fortunately, they have shown willingness to cooperate,” Hon. Adepoju stated.
During the meeting, he instructed traders to avoid displaying their goods along the roads and urged motorists to refrain from obstructing traffic.
He also disclosed that letters had been sent to eateries and a church near the main road at Eleyele Market, inviting them for discussions on how to address the obstructions caused on the padestal near the church.
Hon. Adepoju who condemned illegal parking and the encroachment of roads by traders and transport operators attributed a recent fatal accident at Eleyele Market in which some lives were lost to such reckless practices and urged all stakeholders to desist from them immediately.
While sympathizing with the families of victims affected by past accidents, he assured that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is not out to make life unbearable to anyone but is committed to ensuring a safe and conducive environment for all.
“All traders must vacate the roadside and utilize designated spaces for their businesses. Similarly, commercial drivers, Okada, and tricycle riders must comply with the directives of the authorities,” he stressed.
He further stated that security personnel have been deployed across Eleyele to enforce compliance with these directives.
