Lagos Deputy Governor Hamzat Defends Traffic 'Lifestyle' Comment

Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, defended his statement describing traffic congestion in Lagos as a “lifestyle,” which faced backlash on social media. He clarified his remarks in a video shared on the X account of Wale Ajetunmobi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Media, following criticism stemming from his speech at Podfest Naija 2026.

Hamzat explained that he used Lagos traffic as an illustration of how commuters engage with podcasts and digital content during their travels. He quoted himself, stating, “Anyone who has crossed Third Mainland Bridge at 6pm going from VI to Mainland knows that Lagos traffic is not just a problem, it is becoming our lifestyle.” He emphasized that his comments were not intended to critique road design or the government's approach to congestion.

Hamzat also addressed criticisms from tech entrepreneur Tayo Oviosu and former governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who linked his comments to the state’s traffic management issues.