Commander Omonayojo Elias, on Tuesday, led TRACE officials on a monitoring visit to the Ewekoro axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, which has reportedly been on lockdown for days.
By peace Udugba
As hundreds of vehicles remained trapped in a days-long traffic lockdown at the Ewekoro axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State, the Acting Commander of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Elias Omonayajo, on Tuesday, led officials on a monitoring visit to assess the dire situation.
Omonayajo, currently the most senior official at TRACE, urged motorists and commuters to remain calm and patient, assuring that concrete solutions were underway to ease the traffic nightmare.
The persistent congestion was largely caused by ongoing road reconstruction by Craneburg Construction Company, which has slowed vehicular movement along the ever-busy route.
During the on-the-ground inspection on October 21, our correspondent observed a complete standstill of vehicles and trucks across several kilometres. Frustrated motorists were seen making desperate attempts to manoeuvre out of the gridlock, further worsening the situation as multiple escape efforts collided into a chaotic scene.
Residents and road users expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, citing the impact on their health, schedules, and daily livelihoods. In response, Omonayajo assured that TRACE was actively collaborating with relevant agencies and the construction company to restore order and improve traffic flow in the coming days.
Ewekoro Gridlock: TRACE Deploys Traffic Management Tactics, Collaborates with Lafarge to Ease Movement*
As the traffic gridlock at the Ewekoro axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway entered its third day, commuters were forced to abandon buses and trek long distances in search of alternate transport. Those coming from Abeokuta disembarked before Lafarge Cement Company and trekked to Papalanto to board new vehicles at higher fares, while travelers from the Sango axis also had to walk past Lafarge before finding transportation.
However, hope was rekindled on Tuesday when TRACE officials, led by Acting Commander Elias Omonayajo, stepped in with advanced traffic control strategies. In collaboration with Lafarge Cement Plc and Craneburg Construction Company, TRACE began enforcing stricter traffic regulations and coordination to restore order on the congested route.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, Cdr. Omonayajo acknowledged the severity of the situation, saying, “The gridlock has lasted for about three days due to the ongoing reconstruction work on both lanes of the expressway. TRACE is now fully on ground to manage and control the traffic so that orderliness can return.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation from road users, stating, “It’s very important that motorists adhere to our directions at this point in time to allow smooth vehicular movement. You can see the synergy between TRACE, Lafarge, FRSC, the Police, and other agencies—all working together to achieve a common goal.”
He also disclosed that TRACE had issued a traffic advisory for heavy-duty and other vehicles. Articulated vehicles coming from Abeokuta are advised to divert at Ita-Oshin through Oke-Ata to Ilaro and Papalanto, while those from Sango should detour at Papalanto-Ilaro via Oke-Ata to Abeokuta.
Ewekoro Gridlock: TRACE Debunks 2-Week Delay Rumour, Issues Traffic Advisory as Relief Efforts Intensify
Commander Elias Omonayajo of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has dismissed rumours suggesting that the ongoing traffic gridlock along the Ewekoro axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway could last two more weeks. Speaking during a monitoring visit to the affected area, Omonayajo assured motorists that TRACE operatives are working round the clock to ease the situation.
“We are on standby 24/7. The idea that the gridlock will persist for two weeks is unfounded. With the measures already put in place, traffic movement will continue to improve. All we ask is for the public’s patience and cooperation with our officers,” he said.
Also speaking on the situation, Safety Supervisor at Craneburg Construction Company, Mr. Benedict Ebifiye, confirmed that motorists had been trapped for three days due to ongoing roadworks. He explained that although work is currently concentrated on one lane, efforts are being made to temporarily fix the second lane to allow better traffic flow.
“We are providing palliative repairs on the second lane to reduce congestion,” Ebifiye said. “Within two weeks, the concrete road will be opened to traffic, and we expect that this kind of disruption will no longer occur.”
In response to the crisis, TRACE spokesperson Cdr. Babatunde Akinbiyi issued an official traffic advisory. The statement highlighted rerouting plans for articulated vehicles to ease congestion caused by the swampy condition of the road near Lafarge Cement Company.
“Vehicles coming from Abeokuta should divert through Ita-Oshin, Oke-Ata, Ilaro, and Papalanto,” the advisory read. “Those from Ifo to Abeokuta are advised to go through Ilaro–Oke-Ata–Abeokuta.”
Akinbiyi added that the diversion is a preventive measure to avoid vehicle breakdowns and further delay. He expressed regret over the inconvenience caused but emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of all road users.
