The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to deepen the culture of safe road use across Ibadanland and Oyo State.

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Ladoja gave the charge on Wednesday when the Oyo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Dahunsi, and his management team paid a courtesy visit to his palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

 

The monarch urged the corps to continue to discharge its duties with professionalism, discipline and respect for the people.

 

He also called for stronger collaboration between the FRSC, traditional institutions, the Oyo State Government, other security agencies, transport unions and relevant stakeholders to promote safer roads and reduce road crashes.

 

Ladoja described Ibadan as the home of all Yoruba people, noting that the city had remained a major political, cultural and socio-economic centre where many past and present leaders had maintained residences.

 

He therefore urged residents and stakeholders to join hands in taking Ibadanland to greater heights.

 

Earlier, Dahunsi said the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) management team was honoured to pay what he described as a historic royal visit to the Olubadan Palace.

 

He noted that Ibadan had a remarkable history in Nigeria’s political, cultural and socio-economic development, as well as in the evolution of road safety administration in the country.

 

The sector commander said roads remained critical links between people, communities and economic activities, but noted that the growing population, vehicle ownership and human movement in Ibadan and across Oyo State had created significant road safety challenges.

 

According to him, government agencies alone could not address the challenges, hence the need for traditional institutions to serve as critical partners in promoting safer road use.

 

Dahunsi sought the Olubadan’s support in encouraging motorists, commercial drivers, transport operators, motorcyclists and pedestrians to embrace responsible road use.

 

He urged road users to obey traffic regulations, avoid speeding and dangerous overtaking, ensure vehicle roadworthiness, use seat belts and crash helmets, shun driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and show consideration for other road users.

 

He said compliance with the measures could help reduce road crashes and make the difference between life and death.

 

Present at the visit were the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Kolawole Adegbola; Aare Alasa of Ibadanland, High Chief Adewuyi Odunade; President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; as well as Mogajis and Baales.