By Debo Adeoye, Ibadan.
With the Yuletide season approaching and vehicular movement increasing across Ibadan, widespread malfunctioning of traffic lights at major intersections has raised serious safety concerns among motorists and pedestrians, prompting criticism of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYTMA) over what many describe as a troubling lapse in maintenance responsibility.
Findings reveal that a significant number of traffic lights across the metropolis have been non-functional since late November, yet remain unrepaired as of the time of filing this report—barely days to Christmas and less than two weeks to the New Year, January 1, 2026. This development has become increasingly worrisome given the surge in traffic traditionally associated with the festive period, a trend already evident across Ibadan since last week.
Heightened Risk at Major Junctions
Road users say the malfunctioning traffic control systems have turned previously regulated intersections into accident-prone zones. According to motorists, vehicles approaching these junctions often lay claim to the right of way, having become accustomed to the non-functioning signals after weeks of daily use.
More dangerously, first-time road users and visitors—unaware that the traffic lights are no longer operational—often slow down or apply brakes in obedience to the signals, while drivers familiar with the routes approach at speed, confident that the lights no longer regulate traffic. This conflicting behavior has resulted in frequent near-misses and heightened tension on the roads, even among cautious drivers.
“This is now a daily risk,” a commercial driver lamented. “You either gamble your safety or become a victim of someone else’s impatience.”
Improved Roads, Poor Traffic Control
Ironically, the danger is compounded by the improved condition of many roads within Ibadan. Recent reconstruction and rehabilitation projects have transformed several routes into smooth, expressway-like corridors, encouraging faster driving. However, without functional traffic lights to regulate speed and right of way, these improvements have inadvertently increased the risk of collisions and gridlocks at intersections.
Traffic experts note that traffic lights play a critical role in preventing accidents, managing traffic flow, and reducing congestion—especially in a growing city like Ibadan.
Affected Locations
Major junctions reportedly affected by the malfunction include:
- Mobil Petrol Station, University of Ibadan (UI)
- Bodija Junction (UI axis)
- Bodija Market area
- Awolowo Junction, Bodija–Secretariat Expressway
- NTA Junction, Agodi
- Premier Hotel Junction, Mokola
- Oke Padre and Sabo junctions, Adamasingba
- Prison Gate Junction, Agodi
- And several other intersections across the city
Calls for Immediate Intervention
Commuters and transport operators have appealed to the Oyo State Government and OYTMA to urgently restore all faulty traffic lights, warning that continued neglect could lead to avoidable accidents, loss of lives, and severe traffic disruptions during the festive season.
Beyond safety, stakeholders also pointed out that functional traffic lights enhance traffic law enforcement and could boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through the lawful imposition of fines on traffic offenders.
“There must be a strong maintenance culture,” a resident said. “Government investments should not be allowed to decay due to neglect.”
Residents are urging OYTMA to act swiftly, not only in Ibadan but across other towns in Oyo State, to ensure safe, orderly movement and allow citizens to enjoy the festive season without fear or frustration.
