The Lagos State Task Force has issued a stern warning to residents regarding the hosting of events on public roads, which has been causing significant inconvenience to road users.
In a bid to uphold state laws prohibiting road parties, the agency has announced that it will prosecute individuals who continue to disregard these regulations.
This warning follows the recent arrest of five individuals along Raymond Njoku Road in Ikoyi, where they were apprehended for obstructing traffic to celebrate a birthday. Among those arrested were the event planner, the celebrant, a musician, a sound engineer, and a vendor, all charged with creating an environmental nuisance.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the arrests and emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing the law. He stated, “No one is above the law, and we will not allow anyone to flout state regulations.”
Spokesperson for the Lagos Task Force Raheem Gbadeyan, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward road events, highlighting that such gatherings disrupt the flow of traffic and inconvenience other residents.
The chairman of the Task Force, Adetayo Akerele, condemned the growing trend of hijacking public spaces for personal events, calling it unacceptable.
Akerele pointed out that similar events have been reported in areas like Lawani Street in Yaba and Ganiyu Lamina Street in Ijaye Ojokoro. He urged those involved in this practice to cease immediately or face legal repercussions.
To maintain public safety and traffic order, the Lagos State Task Force, in partnership with other security agencies, plans to conduct regular monitoring and swift enforcement actions against road obstructions. Residents are encouraged to utilize designated event centers for their gatherings and to report any incidents of road disruption through the Task Force’s “See Something, Say Something” initiative for prompt intervention.
The agency’s firm stance underscores the importance of maintaining smooth traffic flow and environmental decorum across Lagos, reaffirming that public roads are meant for the free movement of people and vehicles, not private celebrations.
