Controversy has ensued among athletes, residents and stakeholders over a proposed bill seeking to ban roller skating on public roads and sidewalks in Osun State.
The house had at a plenary on May 6, 2025, debated the “Osun State Skating Restriction Bill 2025”, which proposes a six-month jail term or a fine of N250,000 for an individual caught skating in public spaces.
Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, argued that skating is an indoor activity and should be confined to designated indoor areas for safety reasons.
However, the proposal has drawn widespread criticism, with many describing the punishment as severe and out of touch with reality. Some have gone as far as calling it a misuse of legislative power.
One of the strongest reactions came from the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru,
In a statement, he described the bill as “laughable” and “a step backward.”
He urged the lawmakers to redirect their attention to more pressing legislative concerns instead proposing anti-people’s bill
Also, sports enthusiasts and professionals have oined the debate.
Mr Àlàbí Abayomi, a powerlifting coach and one of the Assistant Coaches with the Osun State Sports Council, said that the bill unfairly targets young athletes who view skating not just as a sport but as a way of life.
Taiwo Ajibola, head coach of the Osun State Basketball Team, and Pharmacist Olusegun Oyewole, Deputy Director of the Pharmacy Department at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, acknowledged the need for safety on public roads but suggested a more constructive approach.
They recommended establishing a special sports court to handle skating-related matters, rather than imposing harsh penalties that could destroy young athletes’ dreams.
Former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Yemi Lawal, also weighed in, calling the bill a “misplaced priority” and an infringement on the rights of sportspeople.
He said,“Sporting activities should not be banned because of potential hazards. Instead, the government should work to provide safety measures for athletes.”
However despite the backlash, Speaker Egbedun defended the proposed legislation, insisting that it was designed in the best interest of public safety and should be commended, not condemned.
Efforts to get further clarification from the Speaker’s office were unsuccessful.
Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, did not respond to calls or messages.
Similar efforts to contact Segun Oyewale, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, also proved abortive.
As debates rage, the future of skating in Osun hangs in the balance, with many waiting to see whether the lawmakers will bow to public pressure or push ahead with the bill.
