Group accuses Ondo governor’s aide of misconduct over Okada emblems

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Arise Group, a socio-political organisation, has called on Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to caution his Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategy, Oluwafemi Fadairo, over the handling of commercial motorcycle (Okada) emblems in the state.

The group, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Coordinator, Sola Adebisi, alleged that the aide’s actions could create tension between the state government and residents, particularly commercial transport operators at the grassroots.

It claimed that Fadairo printed emblems bearing the inscription of Akure South Local Government Area, a development it said had triggered friction between the council chairman, Gbenga Fasua, and commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.

However, the group commended Fasua for what it described as his maturity in handling the situation, saying his intervention helped prevent the dispute from escalating.

Consequently, the group urged Aiyedatiwa to intervene and clarify the arrangements for collecting levies from transport operators to prevent further misunderstandings and potential conflict.

Reacting to the allegations, Fadairo said he had met with commercial motorcycle operators in Akure to address concerns over ticketing and multiple payments, while clarifying the state government’s position on revenue collection.

He maintained that the Aiyedatiwa administration had not introduced any new levy on commercial motorcycle operators and would not support arbitrary charges or multiple ticketing.

Fadairo added that the government was committed to streamlining revenue collection to eliminate confusion, protect the interests of transport operators and ensure compliance with approved levies, saying the planned approach would provide clarity on payments and address the concerns raised by the riders.