Authorities of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, have raised serious concerns over persistent traffic obstruction and public safety risks caused by illegal parking and loading activities by commercial vehicle operators in front of the church premises.
The development follows a 48-hour removal notice issued by the Ibadan North-West Local Government through the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), directing the church to dismantle its “No Parking” signage.
The directive, according to the church, claimed that the signage violated established traffic and urban planning regulations by allegedly encroaching on road setbacks, obstructing pedestrian movement and disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held on Monday, December 8, 2025, the Parish Pastoral Council, led by Mrs. Florence Olagbaju (PPC Chairperson) and Chief Cosmas Olalekan Oni (PLC President), stated that the frontage of the historic cathedral has for several years been converted into an unauthorized motor park and loading point, resulting in constant gridlock, noise pollution and serious safety threats to worshippers, school children, pedestrians and other road users.
The cathedral disclosed that the “No Parking” signage and blockage were installed with official approval from the Divisional Police Officer of Iyaganku Police Division, in line with existing traffic regulations, purely in the interest of public safety and orderliness.
It further noted that similar traffic control measures exist in other parts of Ibadan, including Gethsemane Church, Eleyele, and Ojoo Police Station, questioning why the same safety measure should not be allowed within its own environment.
While reaffirming respect for government institutions, the church expressed readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with the Ibadan North-West Local Government, OYRTMA, and transport unions to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution.
“We have a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of worshippers and residents, preserve the peace required for liturgical celebrations, guarantee free access to our place of worship, and uphold the dignity of this historic religious landmark,” the council said.
The cathedral appealed to the Oyo State Government, security agencies, community leaders and transport unions to work together with the church to keep the area orderly, safe and conducive for worship and public use, adding that testimonies from road users confirmed that traffic flow improved significantly when the signage was in place.
St. Mary’s Cathedral also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his declared zero tolerance for illegal motor parks and street trading in the state, citing the recent commissioning of four terminal parks in Ibadan as proof of the government’s commitment to traffic orderliness and public safety.
