Commander Adeoye Ayoade, General Manager of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), was a guest on Parrot Xtra/Ayekooto on Radio, anchored by Olayinka Agboola on Splash 105.5FM recently. He explained the agency’s role in traffic regulation, enforcement, and why residents must obey safety rules. Excerpts:
When you accepted this role as OYRTMA General Manager, was it personal conviction or just an assignment?
This job is not about conviction; it is about service. OYRTMA exists to provide social service, preventing accidents, educating road users, and ensuring safety. At its core, this is humanitarian work. Anyone committed to saving lives on the road is serving both humanity and Almighty God.
There are times when arrested drivers plead profusely, even in God’s name, but your officers don’t listen. Why?
Because we cannot mix sentiment with duty. Laws govern our work. When someone drives against one-way and begs “in the name of God,” the law does not allow us to excuse them. If that reckless act caused death, would the bereaved families accept such pleas? Safety of lives comes first.
Traffic light disobedience is rampant in Oyo State. How serious is this problem?
It is disturbing. Many drivers, especially commercial ones, ignore the red light. I once stopped at a red light and the driver behind me honked furiously, even mocking me for waiting. Yet, obeying the signal, even when no vehicle is visible, prevents sudden accidents. The red light is never more than 90 seconds. Why rush?
There are claims that even government convoys disobey traffic rules. Does the Governor obey?
Yes. I can boldly say Governor Seyi Makinde obeys traffic lights and lanes. I have witnessed this over ten times. He does not drive one-way. If the Governor obeys, who are we to disobey?
Why then do some violators go Scot-free?
They don’t. There are penalties. For example, one-way driving in Oyo State now attracts a ₦100,000 fine, up from ₦50,000, because of the high fatalities involved. In 2023, we recorded 232 crash-related deaths, with over 170 linked to one-way driving and fire explosions.
In Lagos, the fine is ₦300,000, plus a psychiatric test that can take three months. We are moving in that direction. In Oyo, violators face our traffic tribunal, headed by magistrates. Nobody is above the law.
Accidents are frequent on the Ibadan Expressway, especially from Toll-Gate to Ojoo. What can be done?
That corridor is notorious. It is not meant for pedestrians or motorcycles, but people disobey. The last fatal crash involved a Micra driver who took one-way and caused a pile-up. Instead of clearing off, they blocked the road, and a truck rammed into the queue. Our Governor is making efforts, but we must also discipline ourselves as road users.
What punishment awaits those who fight with traffic officers?
Such offenders are prosecuted. We have cases in custody already. It is better to report erring officers to our Chairman’s office than fight them. Our Chairman, Major Adesagba Adekoya (Rtd.), is a disciplinarian and takes immediate action.
To curb bribery, we have automated payments. Offenders now pay fines directly into government accounts via ATM or transfer. No officer should ask for cash. Anyone doing so is impersonating OYRTMA.
How is OYRTMA’s relationship with the Park Management System (PMS)?
We enjoy good cooperation. Their Chairman, Alhaji Tommy, supports law enforcement. He even invited our Chairman to their meeting to explain punishments for traffic violations. Importantly, he warns his members not to call him if arrested for offences.
People sometimes accuse us of hiding to arrest offenders. But the real question is: what offence did you commit? In some countries, drivers obey rules even without officers present. In Nigeria, even with officers watching, some still disobey.
What challenges does OYRTMA still face?
Manpower. Until recently, we had just 220 officers. With government approval, we recruited 500 more, bringing us to about 700 personnel. Still, it is not enough, considering our presence beyond Ibadan, in Ogbomosho, Saki, Eruwa, Iseyin and other towns. But we are growing.
What is your message to road users?
Life has no replacement. Obey traffic signs, listen to traffic officers, and drive responsibly. Only those who go out and return safely can be welcomed home.
