Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria – The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has strongly defended a proposed bill aimed at regulating skating in public areas, asserting that its primary goal is to ensure safety and warrants commendation, rather than the criticism it has faced.

The proposed legislation, which surfaced on Tuesday, suggests penalties of up to six months imprisonment or a ₦250,000 fine for individuals caught skating in public spaces.

 

This has sparked public outcry, with many arguing that the bill could stifle the burgeoning sport of skating at a time when efforts should be focused on fostering safe engagement among youths.

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However, Speaker Egbedun, in a statement released on Wednesday through his legislative aide, Olugbenga Akanfe, countered these criticisms. He stated,

 

“Unfortunately, much of the backlash seems rooted either in a misunderstanding of the bill’s intent or in deliberate misrepresentation by those choosing to ignore the facts.”

 

He clarified that the bill is not intended to ban skating entirely. Instead, its focus is on prohibiting public skating, particularly on busy roads and highways, due to the inherent risks it poses to both the skaters themselves and the wider public.

 

“In many parts of the state,” Egbedun highlighted, “it is a common and deeply concerning sight to see skaters dangerously clinging to moving vehicles such as buses, motorcycles, or commercial tricycles (Keke NAPEP). These are not playful acts; they are extremely hazardous. The unpredictable acceleration of these vehicles often leads to skaters losing control, resulting in preventable accidents. Tragically, in such instances, drivers can be unfairly held liable for incidents they neither caused nor could foresee.”

The Speaker pointed out the escalating trend of such perilous skating activities on major roads throughout Osun State. He also astutely identified a key factor contributing to this unsafe behavior: the current lack of designated and safe skating parks within the state.

 

In a significant development that underscores the government’s commitment to both safety and the promotion of skating, Egbedun revealed, “However, with the ongoing transformation of the Osogbo City Stadium under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, there are concrete plans to incorporate a proper skating arena within the facility. This forward-thinking initiative will provide a secure and structured environment for skating enthusiasts to pursue their passion safely.”

 

Drawing a parallel with successful safety measures implemented elsewhere, Egbedun noted, “It’s also important to remember that Osun is not alone in recognizing the need for regulating skating in public spaces. During the administration of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, similar restrictions were introduced. Skating on public roads was explicitly declared a violation of the Lagos State Traffic Law (2010), and parents were rightly advised to caution their children against such dangerous activities.”

 

Concluding his statement, Speaker Egbedun urged the public to view the proposed bill in its proper context. “If Lagos State, as far back as the Fashola era, recognized the clear and present dangers of unregulated skating on public roads, then the proactive steps being taken by the 8th Assembly of Osun State, under my leadership, should be seen as highly commendable. Our aim is unequivocal: to prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens while simultaneously fostering responsible skating practices. The Osun State House of Assembly deserves praise for its foresight and unwavering commitment to the people’s welfare, not unwarranted criticism.”

 

This development highlights a crucial debate: how can authorities balance the need for public safety with the desire to encourage healthy and engaging activities like skating among young people?

 

Osun State’s approach, while initially met with resistance, appears to be attempting to address both sides of this important coin by first ensuring safety through regulation and then providing a dedicated space for the sport to flourish. The inclusion of a skating arena in the Osogbo City Stadium could be a game-changer, offering a viable and safe alternative for skating enthusiasts and potentially setting a positive example for other states to follow.