Ondo cautions traders, transport operators against blocking major roads

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Government has cautioned traders, market women, and commercial transport operators against activities that obstruct major roads and disrupt traffic flow across the state.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Hon. Olugbenga Omole, who said the government would no longer tolerate the growing disregard for road safety rules.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Transport has observed with concern the increasing habit of traders in Oja Oba, Akure; Sabo Market, Ondo; Ikare; Akungba; the Ore overhead bridge; and other major towns, who sell goods or spread food items such as coco-garri and elubo on highways and designated road corridors.

The ministry also criticised the conduct of commercial tricycle operators who have turned busy routes—including Oba Adesida Road, Arakale Road, the Alagbaka axis, and the ShopRite area—into illegal parks and roadside markets, stressing that any violator risks immediate impoundment of their tricycle.

Omole said enforcement officers had been deployed statewide to ensure strict compliance, adding that any activity that disrupts free vehicular movement or breaches traffic regulations would attract sanctions.

He noted that such obstructions endanger motorists and pedestrians and undermine the government’s efforts to maintain order on public roads.

The Special Adviser commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his ongoing road rehabilitation and construction projects, saying the improved network has enhanced mobility for residents across the state.