The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has assured residents, tourists and other visitors of effective traffic control, emergency response and public safety during the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival slated for Friday, May 29.
The agency said comprehensive measures had been put in place to guarantee seamless vehicular movement and ensure the safety of lives and property before, during and after the annual cultural celebration.
Speaking through a statement issued by the Media and Strategy Unit of the agency, the most senior TRACE Commander in charge of administration and operations, Commander Elias Omonayajo, disclosed that additional personnel had been deployed across strategic locations and traffic-prone areas linked to the festival venue.
He explained that the Ojude Oba Festival, regarded as one of the foremost cultural events in Nigeria, traditionally attracts thousands of participants, tourists and dignitaries from across the country and beyond, thereby leading to increased vehicular and human traffic within Ijebu-Ode and adjoining routes.
According to Omonayajo, the agency had anticipated possible challenges such as traffic congestion, obstruction of roadways, vehicle breakdowns, overloading, excessive speeding, drunk driving and road crashes.
To address these concerns, he said TRACE had mobilised both regular officers and members of its voluntary arm, known as TRACE Mayors, to manage traffic flow and provide rapid emergency response services where necessary.
“The agency has made adequate preparations to ensure free flow of traffic and prompt rescue operations throughout the period of the festival. Our officers and volunteers will be stationed at strategic points to guide motorists and respond swiftly to emergencies,” he said.
The TRACE commander further noted that the agency would work closely with other security and safety agencies under the Ogun State Security Architecture to maintain orderliness and strengthen security around the festival environment.
He urged motorists and road users to cooperate with traffic officials and obey all traffic regulations to avoid unnecessary delays and accidents.
Omonayajo also advised drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys to the festival, while warning against reckless driving, speeding and other violations capable of endangering lives.
He appealed to members of the public to remain patient and law-abiding throughout the celebration, stressing that collective cooperation was essential to the success of the event.
For emergencies and distress situations, the agency directed residents and visitors to contact TRACE through its toll-free emergency line, 112, or via 0706 942 5555, 0806 270 3568 and 0803 491 9165.
The agency added that real-time traffic updates, advisories and information on possible diversions would also be made available through its social media platforms during the festival.
The Ojude Oba Festival is a globally recognised cultural celebration held annually in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, bringing together various age grades, cultural groups and descendants of Ijebu communities in a colourful display of tradition, fashion and heritage.
