Residents and motorists in Ilorin, Kwara State, faced severe disruption and mounting anger on Friday, December 26, 2025, after a major federal highway was obstructed by wedding celebrations linked to a former senator.
Road Seized for Celebration, Commuters Stranded
The vital federal road connecting Kwara and Oyo states, which serves communities including Oja-Oba, Omoda, Alore, Oloje, Ogidi, and Okolowo, was rendered impassable. Large tents for the walīmat an-nikāḥ (Islamic marriage ceremony) of the son of former Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe occupied the roadway, leaving vehicles stranded for hours and sparking widespread condemnation.
This incident is not isolated. Locals report a recurring pattern where influential figures in Ilorin commandeer public roads for high-profile private events, displaying a blatant disregard for the daily commute of ordinary citizens.
Public Outcry and Calls for Enforcement
The blockade triggered an immediate and fierce backlash from frustrated residents who took to social media and shared their experiences with journalists.
Saheed Osioyemi voiced a common desperation, writing: "I know a government will come that won't give a d@mn about what people will say in curbing the idea of pitching tents on the main road for events in Ilorin. I pray for it earnestly. The act needs to stop." He noted the added insult of security personnel being present to divert traffic instead of preventing the obstruction.
Mashood Abiola highlighted the perceived impunity, stating, "We are still lagging behind. Why block a public road because of an event? Try this in Lagos and get arrested." His comment underscores a frustration with the selective application of laws.
Echoing the demand for concrete action, Alhassan Ahmed argued, "The law should be strengthened to prevent such in the future. A good and spacious place should be used next time. It’s unfair to the public... These influential people think their wealth and status give them the right to inconvenience ordinary citizens."
A Habit of Disruption and the Demand for Change
Resident Fatima Lawal lamented the predictability of the chaos, saying, "This is not the first time we have experienced this. Every time there is a wedding or a naming ceremony by the rich and powerful, roads are blocked. It has become a habit."
Beyond mere inconvenience, the consequences are tangible. The disruptions cripple daily commuting, negatively impact local businesses, and create potential safety hazards by obstructing emergency response routes. Commuter Tijani Bello summarized the collective grievance: "We spent hours stuck in traffic because some people wanted to celebrate in style on a public highway."
The repeated nature of these incidents has intensified calls from the Ilorin public for:
- Stricter traffic law enforcement against all offenders, regardless of status.
- Proper regulations and penalties to deter the use of federal roads for private events.
- A collective shift towards using appropriate and spacious venues that do not infringe on public infrastructure and safety.
The consensus is clear: the privilege of a few must no longer override the right of the many to free movement and access to public roads.
