Olota, Ogun LG Chair, TRACE Issues Final Eviction Notice To Roadside Traders In Ota
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
Authorities in Ota, Ogun State have issued a final eviction notice to roadside traders operating along major construction corridors in the ancient town, warning of strict enforcement beginning immediately.
The directive was delivered on Wednesday during a joint enforcement exercise led by the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege; the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Alhaji Wasiu Lawal; and officials of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), alongside other security agencies.
The team visited key locations affected by ongoing road works, including Oju-Ore, the Sango under-bridge and the tollgate axis, where traders and commercial vehicle operators were ordered to vacate the areas without delay.
The enforcement action followed complaints from the construction firm handling the Oju-Ore overhead bridge project, which alleged that roadside trading and indiscriminate parking by commercial drivers were obstructing construction activities and slowing project delivery.
Addressing traders, transport union leaders, residents and other stakeholders at the scene, Oba Obalanlege described the notice as a final warning.
“You have been given today to leave this axis. From tomorrow, security agencies will commence full enforcement to ensure speedy completion of the project and guarantee the safety of all road users,” the monarch said.
Alhaji Lawal reiterated the local government’s commitment to restoring order along the corridor to facilitate timely completion of the infrastructure project.
TRACE operatives, led by the Ogun West Zonal Commander, Mr. Ajibade Adekunle, were deployed to strategic points during the exercise to ensure compliance.
Ajibade warned that enforcement would commence in full from the following day, stressing that goods found within the restricted areas would be confiscated.
“Enforcement agencies will be stationed here from tomorrow as construction is ongoing. Any wares found here will be confiscated. Our operatives will patrol the area to ensure compliance,” he said.
He advised traders to relocate to designated market areas, noting that the warning was intended to allow unhindered construction work and improve traffic flow.
The latest action comes two weeks after a similar “keep off the road” operation was conducted by the Sango Area Commander of Police, ACP Oladele, aimed at enforcing compliance with directives to vacate the road corridor for public safety and smoother vehicular movement.
