Popular Nigerian content creator and activist Debo Adedayo, widely known as Mr Macaroni, has launched a scathing criticism of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the handling of the Independence Bridge repairs that have caused severe traffic congestion across the metropolis.
The confrontation began after Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the construction site to apologize for the inconvenience and urged Lagosians to “think outside the box” by conducting business online and avoiding Victoria Island for the next few weeks while repairs continue on the 80-year-old bridge.
“Let’s think outside the box. If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island in the next 2 to 3 weeks, conduct your business online and plan ahead,” the governor stated during his inspection visit.
This suggestion, however, sparked immediate backlash from Mr Macaroni, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration with what he described as the government’s lack of regard for citizens’ welfare and inadequate planning.
If the government had any regard whatsoever for the people of Lagos, these measures and more extensive ones would have been taken before yesterday to make this process as painless as possible for the people,” Macaroni wrote, highlighting what he perceives as a disconnect between the administration and everyday Lagosians.
The activist, who has built a significant following through his comedy skits and outspoken advocacy for good governance, further criticized the administration for failing to provide adequate notice and planning before commencing the crucial infrastructure repairs. According to him, the current situation demonstrates a fundamental “lack of sense of responsibility to the people” by the government.
The Independence Bridge, a vital transportation artery connecting mainland Lagos to Victoria Island, has been operational for over eight decades. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the repairs are essential for public safety, explaining that the structure requires urgent maintenance to prevent potential collapse or accidents.
Despite the governor’s explanation, Mr Macaroni’s criticism resonated with many Lagosians who have endured hours of gridlock since the partial closure began. The traffic situation has significantly impacted businesses, employees, and residents across Nigeria’s commercial capital, with many reporting commute times tripling or quadrupling in recent days.
Lagosians pay for your luxury life, treat them with respect,” Macaroni’s statement continued, touching on the sensitive issue of taxation and governance in a city where many citizens feel overtaxed and underserved by public infrastructure.
The public dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Lagos State government and its critics regarding urban planning, infrastructure development, and crisis management in Africa’s largest city. While the administration has initiated several infrastructure projects, critics argue that implementation often lacks proper coordination and consideration for immediate impacts on citizens.
Mr Macaroni also pointed to what he sees as a failure of governance coordination, questioning how two levels of government controlled by the same political party could not better synchronize their efforts on critical infrastructure projects. If the federal and state government cannot successfully collaborate on projects like these despite belonging to the same party, then it only confirms what we have always known about the quality of leadership,” he wrote.
The repairs come at a particularly challenging time for Lagos residents, who are already dealing with economic pressures from inflation, fuel price increases, and general cost of living concerns. The suggestion to “avoid Victoria Island” strikes many as tone-deaf given that the area serves as a major employment hub for thousands who cannot simply work remotely or reschedule their commitments.
Transportation experts have weighed in on the controversy, noting that while the bridge repairs are indeed necessary for public safety, better traffic management plans, alternative routes, and expanded public transportation options could have been implemented before the closures began. Some have suggested that night repairs with limited daytime impact might have been a more citizen-friendly approach.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has not yet responded directly to Mr Macaroni’s criticisms, though officials have continued to appeal for patience from the public, emphasizing the technical necessity of the ongoing work.
This is not the first time Mr Macaroni has confronted the Lagos State government. The content creator has been a vocal advocate during various social movements, including the #EndSARS protests, and has repeatedly called for greater accountability from public officials. His large social media following and ability to distill complex governance issues into relatable content has made him an influential voice in Nigerian civic discourse.
As the bridge repairs continue, the exchange between the governor and the activist highlights broader questions about urban governance, infrastructure planning, and citizen engagement in rapidly growing African metropolises like Lagos. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance public officials must strike between necessary infrastructure maintenance and minimizing disruption to daily life.
For now, Lagosians continue to navigate the challenging traffic situation while the debate over proper planning, government responsibility, and civic engagement plays out both on social media and in the gridlocked streets of Africa’s most populous city.
