Ogun monarch leads joint task force to dislodge illegal traders

The Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Obalanlege, on Wednesday, led a joint task force to dislodge illegal traders and roadside obstructions along the Sango, Oju-Ore axis of Ogun.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta by the Superintendent Route Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Odunsi Afolabi, that the move was to restore sanity to the Otta metropolis.

The FRSC spokesperson said the exercise aimed at eliminating chronic traffic gridlocks along the axis and was carried out by operatives of the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, TRACE, and the DSS.

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It was also on record that the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Comrade Wasiu Lawal, and council sanitary inspectors were equally part of the exercise.

Odunsi said the illegal trading activities had encroached nearly half of the primary carriageway, causing massive bottlenecks and a significant loss of man-hours for commuters.

The traditional ruler was said to have emphasised that the exercise was not just about clearing roads but ensuring the safety and economic viability of Otta.

“We cannot allow the lawlessness of a few to jeopardize the movement and safety of the many,” the Olota stated, while issuing a stern warning to transport union members and Okada operators to vacate the highways immediately.

“To ensure the traders are not merely displaced but properly relocated, the Olota has directed the Iyaloja of Otta to facilitate the immediate occupation of the designated market land at Sango. This move is intended to provide a structured environment for commerce while keeping the transit corridors free of encumbrances,” Oba Obalanlege added.

Also, the Sector Commander, Ogun Sector Command, Corps Commander Akinwuni Fasakin, who was represented by FRSC Corridor 14 Commander, DCC Yinka Akande, and Acting Unit Commander, CRC Wasiu Ogunmefun, confirmed that the enforcement would not be a one-day event.

The FRSC boss said the exercise was to prevent the return of illegal traders, and that operation would continue throughout the week with reinforced support from the Owode Barracks military personnel.

The Task Force urged all residents and business owners to cooperate with the new directives to ensure a seamless flow of traffic and a cleaner environment for all.