The Olota of Ota has convened security agencies and companies to tackle crime and traffic congestion, as Sona Group proposes safety and infrastructure improvements
Olota Moves to Tackle Crime, Traffic Gridlock in Ota as Sona Group Pledges Support
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The Olota of the Ancient and Paramount Ottaland, Awori Kingdom, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, has convened a high-level security meeting involving law enforcement agencies, corporate organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen security, combat crime and address traffic congestion in Ota, Ogun State.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Gbongan Oba Isiyemi, Olota’s Palace, brought together traditional rulers, members of the Olota-in-Council, security experts, youth leaders, civil society representatives and companies operating in Ota and its environs.
This was disclosed in a statement signed and issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, by by Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, the Principal Secretary to Olota of Otta.
According to Olusesi, the gathering focused on strengthening collaboration among security agencies, preventing crime, protecting lives and property, and improving road safety as part of efforts to promote peace and sustainable development across the kingdom.
The discussions reaffirmed the need for collective responsibility in tackling security challenges, with stakeholders emphasising the principle that “Security is everybody’s business.”
Beyond security concerns, participants examined traffic management challenges along major roads, particularly in anticipation of the completion of the ongoing reconstruction of the Ota–Idiroko Road and the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Expressway.
The Oju Ore Bridge axis, Tollgate at Ilo Awela and other locations identified as prone to traffic congestion and accidents received particular attention.
Stakeholders called for stronger measures to restore order along major roads, urging traders operating on carriageways and road shoulders to relocate to designated markets. Transport operators were also advised to move their activities away from roadsides and use approved locations to improve traffic flow.
They warned that roadside trading, indiscriminate parking and the unauthorised occupation of road corridors contribute to congestion and could expose road users to criminal activities. Participants consequently stressed the importance of coordinated enforcement, public awareness campaigns and responsible use of public spaces.
In a significant development, companies operating in Ota expressed their readiness to work with security agencies and support community development initiatives aimed at improving public safety and the local environment.
The Sona Group emerged as a key corporate participant, proposing interventions that include installing security and traffic lights at strategic locations, beautifying roundabouts, particularly around the Oju Ore under-bridge axis, and supporting other infrastructure improvements.
The proposed measures are expected to contribute to safer roads, smoother traffic movement and a cleaner, more orderly urban environment if implemented.
The discussions also highlighted the role of corporate social responsibility and public-private partnerships in addressing community challenges and supporting sustainable development.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency attended the meeting.
The police and NSCDC were represented by officers from their respective area commands and divisions. Other participants included additional security formations, local hunters, youth leaders, civil society representatives and corporate organisations operating within Ota and neighbouring communities.
The broad participation underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to tackling crime, improving traffic management and sustaining peace across Ottaland.
A representative of Laralek Construction Company, the contractor handling the ongoing Ota–Idiroko Road reconstruction project, also attended the meeting.
The company was advised to incorporate appropriate bus-stop terminals and adequate road signage into the project deliverables while addressing identified areas requiring improvement.
Stakeholders stressed that the completed road should meet expected standards of quality, safety, accessibility and functionality for residents, businesses, commuters and other road users.
The meeting is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to allow further consultations, broaden stakeholder participation and develop additional measures to address the identified security and traffic challenges.
By bringing security agencies, businesses, traditional institutions and community representatives together, Obalanlege is seeking to strengthen collaboration and mobilise collective action to complement government efforts towards safer communities, improved infrastructure and sustainable development in Ota and its environs.
