As the Lagos State local government elections commence, Obalende and its surrounding areas present a mix of calm and early delays.
By 8:00am, the usually bustling Obalende Under-Bridge area was devoid of vehicular traffic, with strict compliance to the movement restriction order.
However, motorcycles—popularly known as okada—were still actively transporting residents across short distances.
In a somewhat relaxed atmosphere, some residents were seen playing street football on a major road leading to Dodan Barracks, taking advantage of the empty streets.
At the Obalende Primary School in Ijeh, one of the designated polling units, there was no sign of election materials as of 8:05am.
A policewoman was observed on duty, maintaining security, but there were no electoral officers or polling agents present at the time.Despite the absence of materials, the voters’ registration list had already been displayed at the venue.
The ever-busy Ijeh Road appeared deserted, underlining the widespread observance of the restriction order.
Residents who turned up early expressed hope that the process would begin soon, urging electoral officials to expedite the arrival of materials.
Reporting by Samson Asije