The Committee on Environment of the Somolu 10th Legislative Council, chaired by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Ibrahim Oduntan, and co-chaired by Hon. David Joseph Olugbenro, convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting to address the growing concern of indiscriminate parking and traffic congestion along Olaleye Street, Somolu.
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by Hon. Tosin Odubanjo and focused on complaints received from residents regarding obstruction caused by trucks and containers operating within the axis.
During the session, Alhaji Mustapha Ola Iya, a key operator in the area, was invited to introduce himself and clarify issues surrounding his business activities.
He acknowledged operating within the Olaleye axis and admitted that some of his trucks park along the road. However, he maintained that he is not a printer and does not engage in activities that generate noise pollution. He further stated that his containers are properly coordinated and do not park all at once, but rather in batches to ease traffic flow.
Alhaji Mustapha explained that some of the traffic challenges may be linked to a low-hanging cable within the Apata area, which he said restricts the movement of loaded containers. According to him, he has previously reported the issue to the relevant authorities without resolution. He also clarified that he does not offload containers directly on Olaleye Street, noting that only buses are occasionally offloaded there.
Additionally, he stated that his waste bins are kept within his compound and that he does not generate industrial waste on the road.
Members of the Committee expressed concern over multiple complaints received from residents, particularly regarding traffic obstruction and inconvenience caused by truck movements. The Committee Chairman suggested that operators engage the services of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) or other relevant law enforcement agencies to manage traffic during offloading periods and ensure free vehicular movement.
The Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Tunde James Oyeyiola, who later joined the session, emphasised that the petition before the Council is not intended to witch-hunt any individual but to find a lasting solution that balances business operations with residents’ comfort, safety, and environmental sustainability. He urged all parties to view the Council’s intervention as an opportunity to resolve the matter amicably in the overall interest of the community.
Other Honourable Members present at the Committee meeting included Hon. Sinat Adelaja (Chief Whip), Hon. Raheem Afees (Majority Leader), Hon. Tosin Odubanjo, and Hon. Olubiyi Afolarin.
The Committee resolved to further look into the matter and engage relevant authorities to ensure compliance with environmental and traffic regulations.
This effort also complements the ongoing environmental development initiatives of the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, aimed at promoting orderliness, safety, and sustainable development within the community.
The meeting ended with appreciation extended to all stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to peace and progress in Somolu community.
