Lagos announces traffic diversion as Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu hold rally

The Lagos government has announced traffic diversion for the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential and gubernatorial rallies set to hold on Saturday at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

The commissioner for transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, said in a statement on Wednesday that the rallies will commence at 9:00 a.m., and ends at 4:00 p.m.

Bola Tinubu, former governor of the state, is seeking to be elected president, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is seeking re-election in the 2023 election on the APC platform.

Mr Oladeinde advised residents to plan their movement around the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Funsho Williams Avenue and Alhaji Masha areas in Surulere.

The commissioner said that traffic on Funsho Williams/Western Avenue inward Lagos Island will be diverted to the Express Lanes at Barracks bus stop for people going to Costain, Apapa, Ijora , Victoria Island, Lagos Island, and off to Olumegbon for people going to New Lagos/Surulere areas.

The commissioner said that the traffic on Funsho Williams/Western Avenue inward Surulere/Ojuelegba will be diverted to the Express Lanes/Stadium Bridge at Alaka bus stop for people going to Mushin, Palm Groove, Ikeja, Ojota, Ikorodu areas, and off to Bode Thomas and Eric Moore at Iponri Estate for people going to New Lagos/Surulere areas.

He noted that vehicular movement on Alhaji Masha road to Akerele/Shitta junction and Funsho Williams from Olumegbon junction to Alaka would be totally restricted for safety.

Mr Oladeinde said that directional signs, tow vehicles, and barricades would be made available to guide motorists and pedestrians.

He added, “human and vehicular movement around the affected areas would be regulated as there would be a series of traffic diversions for safety and security management purposes.”

Speaking further, he said that vehicles conveying the party members and others with accredited stickers for the rally would be provided free parking with access to the venue only via Alaka. 

He explained that accredited vehicles from Ojuelegba, Mushin, Palmgrove on Funsho Williams will access the stadium via U-turn at Alaka.

“Also, those from Surulere will access the Stadium via Adeniran Ogunsanya/Bode Thomas/Ogunlana Drive/Alaji Masha to connect Alaka inward the National Stadium,” he said. 

Mr Oladeinde, said that only accredited vehicles, security, emergency and essential services vehicles will be provided privileged access at the diversion points.