Yuletide: TRACE Warns Against Road Obstruction During Social, Religious Events

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has cautioned individuals, event planners, social groups, religious bodies and corporate organizations against blocking or obstructing access roads during the Yuletide celebrations.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the TRACE Public Relations Officer, Cdr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, on behalf of the most senior officer overseeing the agency’s operations, Cdr. Elias Omonayajo, and made available to journalists in Abeokuta.

According to Omonayajo, the advisory became necessary following persistent disregard for other road users by individuals, community associations, street revellers and event organisers, which often results in avoidable gridlock and safety risks.

He stressed that all streets—major or inner—remain public property and must not be converted into party venues, meeting points or recreational centres under any circumstance.

“As we are celebrating, we must be sensitive about what we do. No individual, association, religious or social body has the right to obstruct or block major or inner streets for any event,” Omonayajo stated. “It disrupts the free movement of people and vehicles and causes unnecessary hardship to motorists and residents.”

TRACE also directed owners of event centres, clubs and lounges—especially those in densely populated areas such as Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ota, Ifo, Akute, Mowe-Ibafo, Ikenne and surrounding communities—to ensure adequate and designated parking spaces within their premises.

The agency warned that establishments whose patrons park indiscriminately or spill onto major roads will face strict enforcement, penalties and possible closure in line with existing traffic regulations.

Omonayajo further reassured residents of TRACE’s commitment to ensuring free vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the festive season and beyond. He said the agency will enhance surveillance, increase operational visibility and adopt proactive measures to prevent road obstruction and remove traffic bottlenecks.

He urged residents and event organisers to obtain necessary approvals, make adequate logistical arrangements and cooperate with TRACE and other security agencies to ensure a safe, orderly and congestion-free festive period.

He added that the agency has strengthened its operational framework to ensure quick response to emergencies and speedy removal of broken-down vehicles across the state’s 18 major traffic corridors.