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Ban on Okada, Keke: Sanwo-Olu Has My Support, Says Fashola
The Minister of Works and Housing and former governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has advised Lagos residents to support the state government’s renewed enforcement of the restriction on motorcycles in some local government areas in the state.
He noted that while the discomfort created by the enforcement could not be dismissed, the security implication of not enforcing the law was a major threat to peace.
Fashola noted that motorcycles could not be the preferred choice of transportation in a centre of excellence like Lagos.
He was the governor of the state when the Lagos Road Traffic Law came into effect in 2012.
The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on February 1 commenced the enforcement of the restriction order.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the fourth annual public lecture/symposium organised by the United Action for Change in Lagos on Thursday, Fashola noted that motorcycles had been identified as the favourite means of escape by criminals.
But in his lecture titled, ‘Insecurity: Taking action against organised crime,’ Fashola said “insecurity is a global problem that requires the input of citizens to eradicate.”
He identified peaceful co-existence, intelligence gathering and curbing the menace of drug abuse as some of the solutions.
Meanwhile, speaking on the ban on okada in Lagos State, Fashola said there was need to restore order in public transportation.
The minister said, “So, for those concerned about insecurity in Lagos State, get behind your governor on the position that he has taken. I do not dismiss the concerns that have been raised on the other side, but a price must be paid. It’s a trade-off between our inconvenience and our existence.
“I know that work is going on with the trains, I know that ferries are being installed and they would take some time but in our now interest, we should bear with the government.
“The question to ask is that as the centre of excellence, are motorcycles elevated and acceptable standard of transportation?
“As a centre of excellence, motorcycles cannot be our preferred choice of transportation.
“My recommendation is that we should go back to the taxis and they have a very strong union. I’m sure government is already thinking about it, and it can use its financial balance sheets to guarantee them loans to acquire new taxis.
“No government is out to inflict pain on its people, but in the process of governance, tough calls have to be made because there are competing concerns here and there. It is also important to know that government was not acting on its own, but in response to our calls for more efficient traffic for safety, law and order.”
Earlier, Banire, who is the immediate past Chairman of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, said the governing philosophy of the movement was the addition of value to society without necessarily holding any office or expecting any reward.
UAC is a movement convened by Banire, a former National Legal Adviser of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Popular socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has lost the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial primary election for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
She lost the election to a chieftain of the party, Amanda Pam.
The activist-turned-politician had said her ambition to represent the FCT in the upper legislative chamber was driven by the desire to solve problems in the nation’s capital and give residents a stronger voice in government.
Aisha Yesufu is a staunch supporter of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The Federal government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid ul Adha.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
It said the declaration affirms the Federal government’s profound respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who join the global Islamic community in observing this sacred occasion.
“The minister conveys the warm felicitations of the Federal government to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and throughout the Diaspora. Eid ul Adha is a festival of deep spiritual significance, grounded in the values of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for one’s fellow man.
“The Federal government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” Ajani said.
“It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the Permanent Secretary added.
Africa’s biggest corporate supporter of culture, Globacom, is commemorating the life and legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, marking the 21st consecutive year of its sponsorship of the cultural event.
This year’s edition, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” is taking place at the Festival Pavilion opposite the royal palace in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The celebration pays glowing tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the late monarch, who transited on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after an illustrious reign spanning 65 years.
The departed monarch ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and during his reign, the profile and prestige of the Ojude Oba Festival grew tremendously, making it one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom posited that Oba Adetona’s unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Ijebu culture, traditions, and values was a major factor behind the company’s continued support for the festival.
According to the company, “This year’s celebration goes beyond our traditional role as sponsor over the past two decades. It is an opportunity to honour the exceptional legacy of the revered monarch, Oba Adetona, whose vision and commitment elevated Ojude Oba to its present status.”
Globacom recalled that the late Awujale played a pivotal role in transforming the festival into a unifying platform that brought together Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world, regardless of religious affiliation.
This inclusive vision and royal leadership, said Glo, inspired the company to begin sponsoring the festival 21 years ago. Over the years of Globacom’s sponsorship, Ojude Oba has evolved into a globally recognized cultural celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its support for the festival as part of its broader objective of showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
