Lagos to prosecute residents hosting events on public roads

The Lagos State Task Force has issued a strict warning to residents against hosting events on public roads, citing the inconvenience and safety risks such gatherings pose to other road users. 

The agency stated it would take legal action against those who continue to violate state laws that prohibit road blockages for events.

The warning follows the recent arrest of five individuals who blocked Raymond Njoku Road in Ikoyi for a birthday party, obstructing traffic and creating a public nuisance. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, shared details of the arrest on his X (formerly Twitter) page, noting that those detained include the celebrant, event planner, musician, sound engineer, and vendor.

“The suspects... will be tried in court according to the laws of the state. Lagos will not permit disregard for regulations,” Wahab said.

Task Force spokesperson Raheem Gbadeyan emphasized on Tuesday that offenders would face prosecution, and the agency’s Chairman, Adetayo Akerele, called out the troubling increase in road parties. “It is unacceptable for individuals or groups to use public roads for personal events, causing inconvenience and endangering public safety,” he stated. Akerele noted specific locations in the city, such as Lawani Street in Yaba and Ganiyu Lamina Street in Ijaye Ojokoro, where similar events have disrupted public spaces.

The Task Force encourages residents to use designated event centers and has launched a “See Something, Say Something” initiative to enable citizens to report road obstructions. The agency will collaborate with other security organizations to monitor and enforce compliance, aiming to maintain public order and ensure the smooth flow of traffic across Lagos.