Jare Olukotun with Oyewumi Adebisi & Usman Aroyewun (Trainees)
-Releases procession routes for the three main participating quarters
Ikorodu Local Government, in collaboration with the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), has unveiled security and traffic management arrangements for the 2026 Ikorodu Fanti Carnival, scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
The Fanti, which its second edition is holding this year, is part of the activities marking the annual Ikorodu-Oga Festival.
The security arrangements were jointly announced by lkorodu Local Government and IKODASS, at a press conference held at Oriwu Rooftop, Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, ahead of the Fanti slated for November 14th.
The Fanti is expected to bring together residents, cultural groups, local and foreign tourists, brands, visitors and cultural enthusiasts, to celebrate the Ikorodu’s cultural heritage.
Routes for the three main traditional quarters of Ikorodu – Aga Ijomu and Isele, participating in the parade, were also announced for proper coordination.
At the briefing, Ikorodu Local Government Chairman, Prince Adedayo Abdullateef Ladega, assured of adequate security and effective traffic management before and during the carnival.
Ladega assured that the council authorities is working assiduously with security agencies and traffic officials to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.
The chairman also disclosed that his administration has been having regular meetings with the Fanti committee and relevant security and traffic management agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), FRSC, towards developing security and traffic diversion plans ahead of the event.
He also said that mass media would be used to announced the traffic arrangements starting from November 7, to guide motorists, commuters and other road users.
The Head of Operations, LASTMA, Ikorodu, Mr Lawal Olukole, assured residents that the agency has received the necessary support and directives from its headquarters to manage traffic during the carnival.
He said that the traffic plan was the product of collaboration among different stakeholders, adding that officers would be deployed to ensure that motorists are properly directed.
“This is not just a one-man handiwork, this is a combination of multiple and sensible heads “, Olukole said.
He further assured that road diversions and other traffic arrangements would be communicated regularly to help road users plan their movements.
Providing details of the procession and security arrangements, the Ikorodu Division Commander of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and Chief Security Officer for the carnival, Mr Ibrahim Sanni, explained that the three participating quarters would take separate routes before converging on Ikorodu Garrage Roundabout.
According to him, Aga Parapo will proceed from Gbasemo through Aga Junction, Ireshe Road, Itelewa-Oriwu Road, Ojogbe and Ayangburen Road to the roundabout.
Ijomu Parapo is expected to move through Obunale, Ota-Ona, Itunpate, Alhaji Street, Ojubode to the Roundabout, while Isele-Alaro will proceed from Orita Maluti, also known as Ladamos junction, and move through Ejina, Itumoja and Onishigida to Sabo Roundabout before connecting to Sagamu Road and then, the Ikorodu Roundabout.
Sanni disclosed that roads within the affected jurisdiction would be closed to traffic between 7am and 4pm, as part of arrangements approved by the local government chairman.
He explained that the traditional Woro procession would begin from the Town Hall at 7am and continue until 11am, while the Fanti procession would commence at noon.
He urged the three quarters to ensure that their groups arrive at Ikorodu Roundabout between 12pm and 1pm to avoid delays and keep the programme on schedule.
On police preparedness, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikorodu Divisional Headquarters, Igbogbo Road, Ikorodu, CSP Akinola Clement, said the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, has given his support to the event.
He explained that the police are working with other security formations, including the Mobile Police Force, Joint Task Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, LNSC and other relevant units, to ensure adequate coverage.
He, however, appealed to residents and participants to cooperate with security personnel, noting that the success of the arrangements would depend partly on public cooperation.
A representative of the Federal Road Safety Corps, RS 2.17 Ikorodu Unit Command, also assured that the Corps would work with other agencies on traffic management and public safety.
The IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai Ogunfodunrin, and Coordinator of Ikorodu Fanti Carnival, Comrade Pelumi “Rado” Ola Lekan, also speaking assured of topnotch arrangements for the carnival while reiterating that the this year’s Fanti will be bigger, better and all – inclusive.
.
