The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), under the leadership of Chairman Adekoya Adesagba, has issued a strong statement condemning acts of violence against its officers. In a recent announcement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, it was revealed that anyone who violates government policies, particularly through assaults on OYRTMA personnel, will face legal repercussions in accordance with existing laws. The warning comes in light of a recent incident where an officer, Toheeb Abbas, was allegedly assaulted by a suspect named Raheem Ridwan on September 19 in Mokola, Ibadan. Following an initial escape, Ridwan was subsequently apprehended by the authorities.
Adesagba has emphasized the necessity of respecting OYRTMA officers who are dedicated to maintaining road safety and order. He underscored the agency’s zero-tolerance stance towards any form of violence directed at its personnel, tapping into a broader narrative of law enforcement and public safety. The Chairman has made it clear that there will be no leniency for anyone who disrespects or harms the officers carrying out their duties on the roads. This commitment to upholding the law reassures the community that those who disrupt road safety initiatives will be held accountable.
The importance of public cooperation has not gone unmentioned by the OYRTMA leadership. Adesagba has called for support from the community, stressing that effective traffic management and safety are collective responsibilities. By fostering a collaborative relationship between road users and traffic management officers, the aim is to enhance road safety and efficiency across Oyo State. Adesagba’s comments reflect a broader intention to engage the public in creating safer roadways, tapping into civic responsibility as a crucial element of traffic management efforts.
Demonstrating the gravity of the legal consequences for violators, Ridwan has been formally arraigned before the Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, with the presiding Judge, Owoseni, postponing the case to November 8, 2024. This procedural development highlights the commitment of the legal system in Oyo State to address incidents of assault on traffic officers. Ridwan has been remanded to Agodi Prison while awaiting the fulfilment of bail conditions that include providing two reliable sureties and collateral in the form of documented land ownership. The stringent conditions signify the seriousness with which such offenses are treated in the legal framework.
Moreover, Adesagba has urged citizens to actively report incidents of misconduct or violence involving OYRTMA officers. He reassured that such reports would receive serious attention and be thoroughly investigated. This initiative aims to uphold integrity within the agency and builds trust in the public domain—that officers are held accountable for their actions, just as violators of the law will be processed judicially. The emphasis on a transparent and investigative process enhances accountability and integrity within OYRTMA.
In conclusion, the strong stance taken by OYRTMA against violence and misconduct is a pivotal step toward fostering a safer environment for road users and traffic management officers alike. Chairman Adekoya Adesagba’s statements reveal the agency’s commitment to law enforcement and community cooperation in improving road safety. As OYRTMA seeks to reduce road accidents and uphold the rule of law, the agency’s call for public engagement, combined with the severe consequences for violence, underscores a broader commitment to public safety and order in Oyo State.
