OYRTMA clears air on alleged death of tricycle rider in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has dismissed social media reports alleging that its officials caused the death of a commercial tricycle rider along the University of Ibadan (UI) axis on Wednesday, August 27.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), on Saturday, the agency described the reports as “false, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Authority.”

OYRTMA explained that its officials had been stationed at the UI axis for the past three months to enforce compliance with traffic regulations, a move backed by the state government.

According to the Authority, the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. when a commercial tricycle with registration number MNY 805 QU violated a traffic signal. The rider was reportedly stopped but attempted a dangerous escape.

The agency said the rider bit an officer and then feigned collapse to create the impression that he had died, apparently to incite a mob reaction. He later got up, re-entered his tricycle, and fled the scene before the arrival of police officers from Sango Division.

OYRTMA also questioned the basis of the death claims, asking which hospital received the rider, who certified him dead, and how the tricycle was removed from the scene.

The Authority maintained that no life was lost during the incident and stressed that the viral claims were fabricated.

Reaffirming its commitment to upholding traffic laws, OYRTMA urged members of the public to always verify facts before sharing unsubstantiated information.