Authorities in Oyo State have intensified efforts to restore order along Iwo Road, one of the busiest transport corridors in Ibadan, as the Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) rolls out a firm directive targeting roadside trading and illegal parking.
The agency has instructed all motorists and traders currently operating along major roads in Iwo Road to vacate the area immediately and relocate to the government-approved Iwo Road Bus Terminal.
This move, officials say, is part of a broader strategy to address persistent traffic congestion, improve road safety, and enhance environmental sanitation.
The renewed enforcement follows growing concerns that the purpose-built terminal, designed to streamline transport activities, has been largely abandoned by operators.
Instead, many commercial drivers and traders have returned to roadside operations, creating disorder and worsening the already heavy traffic situation around Iwo Road.
During a recent inspection and enforcement exercise, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (Rtd), expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of compliance.
He revealed that reports reaching the agency indicated that many transport operators had deliberately chosen to ignore the designated terminal, preferring to conduct business along the roads for convenience or commercial advantage.
According to him, this pattern of behavior has contributed significantly to congestion across adjoining routes, making daily commuting more stressful for residents and road users.
He stressed that the government invested heavily in constructing the terminal to bring structure and efficiency to the Ibadan transport system, particularly in high-traffic zones like Iwo Road.
Adesagba warned that roadside trading and illegal parking pose serious risks, not only to traffic flow but also to public safety.
He explained that when traders occupy road shoulders and drivers pick up passengers indiscriminately, the available space for vehicles is reduced.
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This often leads to bottlenecks, gridlock, and in some cases, road accidents.
He added that the situation is further complicated by the emergence of unauthorized motor parks operating outside the designated terminal.
Such practices, he noted, undermine government policies and create unnecessary confusion among commuters.
Beyond the traffic implications, the OYRTMA chairman also highlighted concerns about environmental hygiene.
Roadside trading often leads to waste accumulation, which contributes to an unsanitary environment and affects the overall appearance of Iwo Road.
By relocating traders into the terminal, authorities aim to create a cleaner, more organized commercial space.
Another issue raised during the inspection was the lack of unity among transport operators.
Adesagba pointed out that divisions within the Park Management System (PMS) have led some groups to disregard official directives.
He noted that certain operators choose to remain outside the terminal based on affiliations with specific local government structures, thereby weakening enforcement efforts.
He called on all stakeholders within the transport sector to work together in the interest of public order and efficiency.
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation, he urged drivers, traders, and union leaders to align with government policies and ensure full compliance.
The directive also reflects a broader commitment by the Oyo State Government to modernize urban transport systems.
By centralizing activities within designated hubs, authorities hope to reduce chaos on major roads, improve mobility, and create a safer environment for both pedestrians and motorists.
Residents and commuters around Iwo Road have long complained about the daily congestion, which often results in lost time and increased transportation costs.
Many believe that strict enforcement of the relocation order could significantly ease movement and improve overall productivity in the area.
However, the success of the initiative will largely depend on consistent monitoring and enforcement. Adesagba made it clear that the government will not tolerate continued defiance.
He warned that anyone found operating outside the approved terminal would face sanctions, including possible seizure of vehicles or removal from the roadside.
As enforcement intensifies, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the long-standing traffic challenges along Iwo Road can finally be addressed.
For now, authorities remain resolute, insisting that restoring order is not optional but necessary for the growth and development of Ibadan’s urban infrastructure.
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