Lagos residents bemoan re-emergence of street parties

Some Lagos residents on Wednesday decried the re-emergence of road blocks around the metropolitan city caused by inhabitants organising social events.

They said in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria that the incessant occupation of major link roads, especially on weekends, by revelers, has become a major challenge to the city.



According to them, government owes it a duty to enforce compliance to the existing law that bans street parties to prevent anarchy in the state.

Mr Tobiloba Obamuyiwa, an architect said, “it is worrisome to see people fall back to the habit of obstructing road with canopies, chairs and tables in a bid to host parties.

“A high level of decorum is expected from residents of an urban city while issues that could lead to a break down of law and order should be shunned.

“Constituting nuisance with street parties that disturb vehicular and pedestrian movement; noise pollution from sound system is unacceptable in a cosmopolitan city.”

Mrs Abimbola Badejo, a pensioner, also sought the quick intervention of government from the increasing occupation of city roads by families hosting parties.

“The government needs to correct the notion that Lagos is a no man’s land where everyone gets away with doing whatever he likes irrespective of the law or inconvenience to other residents.

“Our people need re-orientation on doing things the proper way and government should assist with sensitisation at the various areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the former governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola on May 12, 2008 signed into law a bill on Commercial Activities, Prohibition and Obstruction of Traffic.

The law aims at discouraging inhabitants from holding parties on the street while encouraging the creation of event centres for social gathering to ease traffic flow around the city.

(NAN)