The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has charged officers and men of the Federal Road Safety Corps to foster a culture of safe road use across Ibadanland and Oyo State.
The monarch spoke while hosting officials of the Corps, who paid him a courtesy visit at his Palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Solomon Ayoade, the monarch urged FRSC officials to continue operating with professionalism, discipline and respect for the people they serve, and to collaborate with traditional institutions, the state government, other security agencies, transport unions and other stakeholders for safer roads.
Olubadan, who described Ibadan as the home of all Yorubas, noted that nearly all past and present leaders have their residences in Ibadanland.
He therefore called on all residents to join him in taking Ibadanland to greater heights.
Earlier in his address, the Sector Commander of the Oyo State Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Dahunsi, expressed profound humility and honour at his management team’s historic royal visit to Olubadan Palace, where they were warmly received.
He said, ‘Ibadan is a city with a remarkable history not only in the political, cultural and socio-economic development of Nigeria, but also in the history of road safety administration in the country.’
According to the Sector Commander, the road remains the most important link between people, communities, and economic activities.
However, the increasing population, vehicle ownership and human movement in Ibadan and across Oyo State continue to create significant road safety challenges. Government agencies alone cannot solve these challenges; hence, the need for the support of traditional institutions as critical partners in achieving safer roads.
The FRSC Sector Commander sought the Olubadan’s collaboration in encouraging motorists, commercial drivers, transport operators, motorcyclists and pedestrians to embrace responsible road use, obey traffic regulations, avoid speeding and dangerous overtaking.
He also listed ensuring vehicle roadworthiness, using seat belts and crash helmets, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and considering other road users to reduce road accidents and make a difference between life and death.
Present at the courtesy visit were the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Aare Alasa of Ibadanland, High Chief Adewuyi Odunade; the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; Mogajis and Baales.