Chaos returns to Ladipo service lane as mechanics, street urchins take over

Menace will end soon, market leader assures

Motorists have expressed frustration over the return of chaotic traffic conditions at the Ladipo service lane along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, following the resurgence of motor mechanics and street urchins at the Ladipo-Five Star Bus Stop.

The situation, which has severely disrupted the free flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, is reportedly due to the relaxation of enforcement by the Lagos State Task Force.

Drivers have raised concerns over the government’s apparent reluctance to take decisive action against the mechanics, who have turned the service lane into makeshift parking lots and workshops.

Despite the presence of security operatives, the area remains gridlocked, with mechanics repairing vehicles directly on the road. Street urchins have also been accused of charging motorists N1,000 for parking on the road, further exacerbating the chaos.

One motorist, Muyiwa, recounted spending nearly an hour navigating the stretch between the Toyota Service Station and The Guardian due to the roadblocks.

“People park on the service lane to the extent that they are repairing cars in the middle of the road. If you go to Oshodi, you won’t see people blocking the road in the name of offloading their wares. Not only has the service lane been taken over, they also repair vehicles on the major road in Ladipo,” he said.

Muyiwa urged authorities to secure the rehabilitated road and relocate the mechanics to government-approved workshops. A food vendor, who chose to remain anonymous, also lamented that gutters designed for water drainage have been converted into dumpsites by traders from the nearby auto spare parts market.

When contacted, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Task Force, assured that enforcement operations would soon be carried out in the area.

“The guys will be cleared from there, I can assure you. We are not relaxing; we have a lot to do this year, and we will not leave any stone unturned when it comes to enforcement and keeping Lagos safe,” he said.

He emphasised the agency’s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, to fostering a safe and secure environment for all residents.

Meanwhile, Onyeka Igwe, Chief of Staff to the President of the Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market Association, revealed that the association is working on a comprehensive policy to discourage mechanics from operating on the road.

“Government spent billions to fix the road, and it is not good to mess it up.
Enforcement will start soon as we just held a meeting today (yesterday). We will pass the message across to every member,” he stated.

Adebayo Taofiq, spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), confirmed that the agency had previously impounded 78 vehicles in the area late last year. He urged local authorities and auto spare parts sellers to ensure the illegality does not continue.
“Now that they have returned, I can assure Lagosians that action will be taken,” he added.