Sanwo-Olu arrests soldier, motorcyclists for one-way traffic violation

Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took a firm stand against traffic law violations by ordering the arrest of several motorcyclists, including one who claims he is a soldier. They were caught riding in the wrong direction on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Tuesday.

The incident, highlighted in videos shared on social media by Wale Ajetunmobi, the Governor’s senior special assistant on Media, showed the governor’s convoy encountering the errant motorcyclists. “This morning, we witnessed lawless okada riders plying one-way along Lagos-Badagry Expressway,” Ajetunmobi captioned the videos.

In a dramatic turn of events, some motorcyclists, along with their passengers, attempted to flee the scene to avoid arrest. However, the governor’s security team was quick to respond. In one of the videos, Governor Sanwo-Olu is seen instructing his officers to detain a motorcyclist who identified himself as a soldier. “Put him there; let your father come and rescue you. You’re telling me you are a soldier; that is the reason I’m going to lock you up,” the governor asserted.

The governor also addressed passengers who were using the motorbike services, emphasizing their role in perpetuating traffic violations. “You people are the ones causing this. Maybe I should arrest two of you and put you in the guardroom,” he said, underscoring the dangers of such actions. “You’re entering Okada, and they are taking one way. Is it good? And they’ll now hit you; you’ll go and fall, and you die; they’ll say the government killed you. What a shame!”

The action taken by Governor Sanwo-Olu has stirred a wave of reactions online. Bare Adebayo commented, “If law enforcement agencies are doing their work properly, the okada riders won’t be going against the law.”

Meanwhile, a user identified as David (@David92933527) expressed his support, saying, “The governor has my support on this action. Highly commendable.”

Also weighing in, Kayode Ayeni, with the handle “@babkay1”, suggested, “This is very good if he can extend this attitude to other sectors of the economy. Lagos will be better.”

This enforcement action comes amid ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to uphold law and order, with the governor recently visiting the Lagos State University for the unveiling of the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre.