Residents and motorists in Edo State have condemned the 12-hour traffic diversion imposed by the state government ahead of the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
DAILY POST reports that the First Lady will visit the state on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to commission compressed natural gas (CNG) buses purchased by the Edo State Government and empower 5,000 women under her Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA), Stainless Ijeghede, said in a statement that traffic diversion would run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the day of the visit.
Ijeghede listed the roads to be temporarily closed as Joromi Junction by Ekenwan Road and Stadium Road by Ekenwan Road Junction.
He advised motorists to use alternative routes to avoid gridlock.
The statement was titled, “Traffic Diversion in Benin City Ahead of the Visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The statement reads: “In view of this, there will be traffic diversion and temporary road closures in some parts of Benin City. The time of diversion is from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“The affected roads, including Joromi Junction by Ekenwan Road, will be blocked. Stadium Road by Ekenwan Road Junction will also be blocked.
“Alternative routes for motorists coming from Ekenwan Road to Ring Road are to use College Road.
“All vehicles coming for the programme are advised to park inside the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ekenwan Campus.”
While apologising for any inconvenience the diversion might cause, the agency advised motorists to use alternative routes and comply with traffic officers on duty.
Meanwhile, some residents and motorists described the directive as anti-people.
They lamented that the closure of major roads in the state capital, alongside ongoing road renovation and painting ahead of the First Lady’s visit, had caused hardship to residents and businesses.
They added that the road rehabilitation works and closures had led to heavy traffic congestion across the metropolis.
DAILY POST observed that preparations for the visit had heightened activities across the metropolis, with renovation works ongoing at the iconic Ring Road and its environs.
Workers were also seen clearing, cleaning and refurbishing public spaces around Ring Road to improve the appearance of the state capital ahead of the First Lady’s visit.
Road dividers and kerbs along Airport Road and other major routes leading to the event venues were also being painted and beautified.
The beautification exercise has added to traffic congestion in some areas.
Oluremi Tinubu’s visit: Edo residents condemn 12-hour movement restriction