The Ogun State Government has warned residents against indiscriminate roadside trading, describing it as a major safety hazard and a leading cause of preventable accidents.

The caution comes in the wake of a fatal crash at the tollgate area of Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, which claimed several lives and destroyed property.
Speaking at the scene on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele said street trading exposes residents to unnecessary risks and tragic incidents.

She stressed that the state had provided market stalls and designated trading areas to ensure safer commercial activities, noting that it was troubling some residents still preferred trading along busy highways.
“While accidents can happen, we must adopt behaviours that significantly reduce their occurrence and impact. We are calling on our people to desist from street trading for their own safety,” she said.

Salako-Oyedele, who described the incident as particularly painful because it occurred in her hometown, extended the state government’s condolences to affected families and assured that surviving victims would receive adequate care.
She added that preventive measures are being reinforced to forestall similar incidents.

The Deputy Governor also praised the swift response of the Olota of Ota, Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, the local government leadership, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), and road unions for managing the situation promptly.
In his remarks, the Olota of Ota condemned roadside trading, noting that the loss of lives could have been avoided if previous warnings had been heeded.

He commiserated with families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations that promote public safety and urged residents to patronize approved markets and designated trading centres across the state.