Concerned stakeholders have commended recent interventions by authorities following a series of fatal road accidents along the Old Ibadan Expressway, particularly around the Saapade axis in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, SAWI Media expressed appreciation to key traditional and community leaders, as well as government agencies, for their swift response to the growing safety concerns on the highway.
The group specifically lauded the Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, for his proactive intervention, which it said helped draw urgent attention to the matter and mobilize relevant authorities toward action.
SAWI Media also commended the Alaye Ode In Council, led by Oba Amidu Adetunji Osho, alongside other stakeholders including the Ode Remo Development Council and Ode Remo Youths Association, for their collaborative efforts in addressing the issue.
The statement described the ongoing installation of speed breakers along the expressway as a “commendable and necessary step” toward reducing excessive speeding and preventing further loss of lives.
However, it stressed that the measure alone would not sufficiently address the persistent dangers on the road, calling for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to road safety.
Among its recommendations, the group urged strict enforcement of traffic regulations, installation of visible warning signs at strategic points, and the establishment of a rapid emergency response system, including a well-equipped ambulance stationed within the Saapade axis.
It also called for long-term safety strategies such as continuous monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructural improvements to ensure lasting protection of lives and property.
SAWI Media emphasized that the safety of residents, particularly students and young people, must remain a top priority, urging authorities not to relent until the recurring accidents are decisively addressed.
The call comes amid growing concerns over frequent deadly crashes along the busy expressway, which has claimed several lives in recent times.
