Oluremi Tinubu’s visit: Edo residents condemn 12-hour movement restriction

Residents and motorists in Edo State have expressed strong disapproval of the 12-hour traffic diversion ordered by the state government ahead of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's visit to the region. According to the Daily Post, the First Lady will arrive in Benin City on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to officially commission compressed natural gas (CNG) buses procured by the Edo State Government and to empower 5,000 women through her Renewed Hope Initiative.

The Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency, Stainless Ijeghede, announced in a statement that traffic restrictions would be in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the day of the visit. The roads slated for temporary closure include Joromi Junction by Ekenwan Road and Stadium Road by Ekenwan Road Junction. Ijeghede urged motorists to utilize alternative routes to prevent traffic congestion during this period.

The agency's announcement, titled "Traffic Diversion in Benin City Ahead of the Visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," detailed the affected roads and advised motorists to utilize College Road as an alternative route if traveling from Ekenwan Road to Ring Road. All attendees of the event were directed to park their vehicles at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) campus within Ekenwan Campus.

Despite the agency's apology for any inconvenience caused by the diversion, some residents and motorists dismissed the directive as being detrimental to the public. They complained that the closure of major roads, coupled with ongoing road renovation and beautification projects ahead of the First Lady's arrival, had led to significant hardships for residents and businesses. These individuals highlighted that the road reconstruction efforts and traffic restrictions had exacerbated traffic congestion throughout the city.

Observers noted that the preparations for Tinubu's visit had intensified activities across Benin City, with renovation works underway on the iconic Ring Road and its surroundings. Workers were also engaged in cleaning, refurbishing public spaces along Ring Road to enhance the appearance of the state capital in anticipation of the First Lady's visit.

Road dividers and kerbs along Airport Road and other primary routes leading to the event were being painted and beautified, further contributing to traffic congestion in certain areas.