“Why Are We So Proud to Break the Law?” Taaooma Slams One-Way Madness on Nigeria’s New Coastal Road

Popular Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Taaooma has sparked a fresh wave of public debate after calling out what she described as the alarming and fast-growing culture of one-way traffic violations on the newly opened coastal road. In a strongly worded post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the content creator expressed shock and frustration at how quickly motorists, particularly commercial motorcyclists and convoy-driven luxury car owners, have turned the modern roadway into what many online users now describe as a free-for-all.

Taaooma’s post, which has since racked up hundreds of thousands of views and widespread engagement, touched a nerve with Nigerians who see the issue as a reflection of deeper problems with civic responsibility and law enforcement. According to her, the coastal road, which was opened to improve connectivity and reduce congestion, is already being abused by road users who openly flout traffic rules without fear of consequences.

“The coastal road is getting worse with the way people just use one way, especially okadas. You’ll be shocked!” she wrote, before questioning the mindset behind the violations. Taaooma went further to criticize drivers of expensive vehicles who, in her words, seem “proud” to break traffic laws, asking pointedly whether owning a Benz suddenly gives one the right to drive against traffic.

Her comments resonated strongly because they went beyond ordinary frustration and addressed what many Nigerians see as a normalized culture of impunity. She questioned why people embrace what she mockingly referred to as “orib ku-ism,” a local slang implying reckless behavior without regard for consequences. Even more troubling, according to Taaooma, is the sight of convoys deliberately entering one-way lanes, sometimes with security escorts and flashing lights, turning lawlessness into a public spectacle.

The mention of convoys struck a particularly sensitive chord. In Nigeria, convoys are often associated with politicians, wealthy individuals, and powerful figures, and their frequent disregard for traffic rules has long been a source of public anger. Taaooma’s post highlighted the irony of law enforcement officers allegedly being part of these convoys while facilitating or ignoring clear violations. “All of you in the convoy including the flashing law enforcement officers!” she added, calling out what many see as hypocrisy within the system.

The coastal road, still relatively new, was designed as a symbol of progress and modern infrastructure, promising smoother traffic flow and improved safety. However, social media users reacting to Taaooma’s comments painted a grim picture of how quickly things have deteriorated. Many shared personal experiences of near-accidents, sudden encounters with oncoming motorcycles, and the daily anxiety of navigating a road that is supposed to be orderly but feels increasingly chaotic.

Commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as okada riders, were frequently mentioned in the responses. While some commenters acknowledged the economic pressures faced by riders, others argued that hardship cannot justify endangering lives. Several users pointed out that one-way driving is not just an inconvenience but a serious safety risk that could lead to fatal accidents, especially at high speeds or during low visibility.

What made Taaooma’s intervention stand out was not just her celebrity status, but the way she framed the issue as a collective moral failure rather than an isolated traffic problem. Her rhetorical questions challenged Nigerians to reflect on why rule-breaking is often celebrated or excused, especially when done by people with status, money, or power. In her view, the problem is not ignorance of the law but a deliberate choice to ignore it, driven by arrogance and a lack of accountability.

The post also reignited conversations about selective enforcement of traffic laws. Many Nigerians online echoed her frustration, noting that ordinary citizens are often penalized for minor infractions while more influential individuals violate major rules without consequence. This perceived double standard, they argued, encourages widespread disobedience, as people begin to see traffic laws as optional rather than mandatory.

Within hours of Taaooma’s post going viral, hashtags related to the coastal road and one-way driving began trending, with users sharing videos and photos allegedly showing motorists driving against traffic in broad daylight. Some called on traffic management authorities to step up enforcement, while others demanded better signage, public awareness campaigns, and stricter penalties for offenders.

Despite the anger, there was also a sense of weariness in many reactions. For some Nigerians, the situation on the coastal road feels like a familiar story: a promising project undermined by poor civic culture and weak enforcement. Taaooma’s blunt questions, especially her “Why do you enjoy adanu so much?” remark, captured the exhaustion of citizens who feel trapped in a cycle where rules exist only on paper.

So far, there has been no official response from traffic authorities directly addressing Taaooma’s concerns, but the scale of the conversation suggests that the issue will be difficult to ignore. Advocacy groups and road safety enthusiasts have used the moment to push for reforms, arguing that infrastructure development must go hand in hand with behavioral change and consistent law enforcement.

As a public figure with a large and diverse following, Taaooma’s voice has amplified what many Nigerians have been quietly complaining about. Her post served as both a warning and a mirror, forcing society to confront uncomfortable truths about everyday lawlessness and the pride some take in breaking rules. Whether this moment leads to real change remains to be seen, but for now, her words have ensured that the one-way chaos on the coastal road is firmly in the national conversation.

In a country striving for development and global respect, the debate sparked by Taaooma raises a simple but powerful question: if Nigerians cannot respect something as basic as road signs on a new highway, what does that say about the larger battle for order, safety, and accountability?