By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The Olota of Ottaland has approved a special task force to tackle traffic congestion, roadside trading, illegal ticketing and extortion in Ota, Ogun State
Olota Sets Up Task Force to Tackle Ota Traffic, Extortion
The Olota of Ottaland, Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, has approved the establishment of a special task force to tackle traffic congestion, illegal roadside trading, unlawful parking, extortion and illegal ticketing across Ota, Ogun State.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the monarch’s palace on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following growing concerns over activities disrupting traffic flow, threatening public safety and undermining order in the ancient Awori kingdom.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued and signed by Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, the Principal Secretary to the Olota of Ottaland.
According to the communiqué, the task force will initially focus on the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta and Ota–Idiroko expressways, particularly Ilo Awela, popularly known as Ota Tollgate, Sango Ota’s side bridge and under-bridge areas, and Oju Ore.
The task force is expected to work with the palace, local government authorities, security agencies, market leaders and transport unions to curb roadside trading, indiscriminate parking, illegal ticketing, extortion and unauthorised collections.
The meeting also directed that the task force’s operations must be professional, impartial and conducted strictly within the law.
The security meeting, which followed an earlier engagement held on October 13, brought together traditional rulers, government representatives, security agencies, corporate organisations, market leaders, transport operators, youth representatives and other stakeholders.
Participants expressed concern over persistent traffic congestion linked to roadside trading, indiscriminate parking and the obstruction of public roads.
The communiqué noted that relevant legislation prohibiting roadside trading and unlawful parking had been passed but was awaiting the assent of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Wasiu Adewale Lawal, FCA.
The stakeholders called for the prompt completion of the legislative process and effective enforcement of the applicable laws to restore order on roads and public spaces across Ottaland.
The meeting also condemned illegal ticketing, unauthorised levies, extortion and other exploitative practices allegedly targeting traders and transport operators.
It urged the relevant authorities to investigate reported cases and take appropriate action against those found culpable, while reiterating the need to prohibit roadside trading that obstructs traffic and public movement.
To ensure the task force becomes operational, the stakeholders resolved to mobilise financial and logistical support through transparent and accountable contributions from corporate organisations, business operators, community leaders and other willing individuals.
A five-member liaison and mobilisation committee was also established to coordinate stakeholder engagement, resource mobilisation and the commencement of operations.
The committee comprises Otunba Bolaji Oyedeko and Madam Kafilat Salako-Taiwo, representing corporate organisations; Engr. Lawrence Diji-Geske, representing an organisation focused on empowerment and sensitisation; Officer Sulaimon Olagbade, representing a security agency; and Officer Dosumu Olalekan, representing traffic compliance.
The committee is expected to work with the palace and relevant authorities to facilitate the implementation of the meeting’s resolutions.
The stakeholders also commended Sona Group for its commitments at the October 13 meeting, particularly its pledge to provide street and traffic lights at Oju Ore and beautify the under-bridge area.
Other corporate organisations and stakeholders were urged to support similar corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at improving traffic management, public safety, environmental cleanliness and sustainable development across Ottaland.
The communiqué called on residents, traders, transport operators, market associations, youth groups, corporate organisations and security agencies to cooperate with the proposed measures and refrain from activities that undermine public order.
It also encouraged stakeholders to support the task force through lawful collaboration, public sensitisation and transparent resource mobilisation.
The meeting reaffirmed the palace’s commitment to peace, security and sustainable development, expressing confidence that stronger law enforcement and sustained cooperation among stakeholders would improve traffic flow, curb touting and unauthorised collections, and restore order in markets and other public spaces.
